Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

Nomination Status: Certain to be nominated again and probably the favorite at this point.

In His Favor: Getting that breakthrough nomination last year was a big deal for Jim Parsons and then he delivered another exceptional year as TV's favorite nerd with undiagnosed Asperger's. What Parsons has going for him now that he didn't have last year was the status of "Big Bang Theory" as TV's top comedy in the key 18-49 demographic. Last fall he was just a little cult star of a little cult show. Now he's the centerpiece of a small screen juggernaut. Figure Parsons to upset Baldwin and control this category for the next few years.

Working Against Him: Zilch. Zero. Zippo. America loves Jim Parsons. Emmy voters are gradually catching on.