Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"

Nomination Status: A return for the Emmy favorite shouldn't be ruled out.

In His Favor: "How I Met Your Mother" hit new ratings highs last season and it was a season largely dedicated to stripping away more of Barney's innate Barney-ness, giving Harris the chance to showcase his softer side, which certainly could be enough to move him back into the nomination field after last year's snub ended a four-year streak. In addition, Harris is a possible nominee for his second tour of duty as Tonys host (not to be confused with this month's third hosting stint, which won't be eligible til next year), so it could be another 2010 with multiple nominations.

Working Against Him: Harris dropped out of the Emmy pool last year and he's been out of the Golden Globes field for two years now, so even though "How I Met Your Mother" may be peaking in terms of ratings, its awards peak may be in the past.