Vincent Kartheiser, "Mad Men"

Nomination Status: The best "Mad Men" hope in this category

Bottom Line: John Slattery was nominated in this category last season for "Mad Men" and he may be nominated again, but I don't really think he had the material this season to deserve that nomination. Kartheiser did. The "Flight 1" episode, in which Pete learns of his father's death, but doesn't know how to react, was a very interesting showcase for the young actor, whose slightly mannered performance is, at times, an acquired taste. He did good work in that episode and for much of the season and if "Mad Men" continues to be an Emmy juggernaut, he might sneak in.