Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"

Nomination Status: Defending champ is a lock for a third straight nomination.

In His Favor: Burrell won this category last year and was nominated the year before and there's no reason to think he won't continue to be the frontrunner, especially after a season that featured some of his finest dramatic work. While Phil Dunphy is loved for his out-of-touch buffoonery -- expect his real estate seminar episode to be an Emmy possibility -- Burrell's work with TV daughters Sarah Hyland and Ariel Winter this past season was touching and relatable in ways that will certainly resonate with Emmy voters. In those scenes, Burrell did what a true supporting actor -- even one who's really a lead -- does, making everybody around him better.

Working Against Him: Almost nothing. Sure, it's a tiny bit peculiar that the Golden Globes keep snubbing Burrell, but... who cares?