Allison Janney, "Mr. Sunshine"

Nomination Status: Even if her show failed, this Emmy favorite still had fans.

In Her Favor: Not everybody (or, according to ratings, that may people) loved "Mr. Sunshine," but it was hard to find a discouraging word said about Janney and her performance as the self-obsessed, pill-popping owner of a moderately successful sports arena. It's not at all unheard-of for Emmy voters to salute actors they love on shows that barely registered with viewers and Janney definitely counts as an actress Emmy voters love with her six nominations and four wins for "The West Wing." Plus, she beat up and then skated with a Smurf.

Working Against Her: Like I said: It wouldn't be unprecedented for Janney to make the field for a show that only aired nine episodes this spring. Nope. Not unprecedented. But very difficult.