Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"

Nomination Status: Sure to earn his third straight nod in this category.

In His Favor: A third straight year as the centerpiece of one of TV's most acclaimed dramas should keep Hamm safe. And it was a tough enough year for Don Draper that Hamm'll probably be a favorite once again, following a season of professional upheaval, personal sadnesses and, of course, the assassination of JFK.

Working Against Him: As revered as his "Mad Men" performance is, Jon Hamm seems to lose a lot of awards. Although he's been regularly nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes and individual SAG Awards, his only win was at the 2008 Golden Globes in the ceremony that didn't happen due to the strike. That won't stop him from getting nominated, of course.