Laura Linney, "The Big C"

Nomination Status: A lock for a nomination and close to a lock to win.

In Her Favor: If you're going to get cancer, be sure to get the flamboyant Showtime cancer. At least that way, you're guaranteed a few Emmys before passing into the afterlife. Linney is really great on "The Big C" and her track record is worth considering: Although Linney is 0-3 at the Oscars, she's 3-3 at the Emmys, with wins for "Wild Iris," "Frasier" and "John Adams." She's going to be very hard to beat on Emmy night.

Working Against Her: Nothing. She's shiny and new and she's a movie star doing TV.