Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"

Nomination Status: Inevitable nominee

Bottom Line: This may be NPH's year. He earned strong reviews for hosting the Tonys, he drew laughs at the CBS upfront presentation and on "HIMYM" Barney had several showcase episodes, both while pining over Robin and with the introduction of his mother. Harris has been nominated the past two years and eventually, once viewers tire of The Thermometer, Emmy voters will recognize what has long been one of TV's very funniest supporting performances. Given that the Emmy telecast is on CBS this year, might Harris end up being the network's best hope for a major award? If anybody can beat Piven, we suspect it may be Harris.