Emmys 2013: Our dream nominees, from 30 Rock to Scandal

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Glenn Close, Damages

So Damages may be off everyone’s radar, but if you saw this monologue Glenn Close did where Patty Hewes gets to tell off her father, there’s no way you don’t think she at least deserves a nod. Case closed.

Claire Danes, Homeland

Why should we even have to explain why Claire Danes is on this list? She’s perfect. End of story. Her portrayal as the bipolar Carrie is captivating.

Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel

Bates Motel may have been a polarizing new series, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: Vera Farmiga knocked it out of the park week after week. Her portrayal as Norma Bates is fluid and effortless. There’s definitely some buzz brewing here.

Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black

Come on, guys. Come on! If a genre series is EVER going to be recognized by the Emmys, it HAS to be Tatiana Maslany. Honestly, if she doesn’t at least get a nod, who ever will in this genre? Tatiana Maslany plays not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR characters on a weekly basis. And she does so with perfect execution. Watching her on screen is like watching five different actresses putting everything into their respective roles. And we’re not even talking about when she plays one character trying to imitate ANOTHER one of her characters. Oh, my goodness. This woman is a global treasure. Give her the recognition, Emmys!

Emmy Rossum, Shameless

Watching the trials and tribulations of Fiona Gallagher on Shameless elicits a lot of emotional responses from us, including admiration, incredulity, laughter, but never pity. Emmy Rossum brings the fire and grit inherent in the core of her character, a 22-year old high school dropout who has to take care of her five younger siblings with no help from her bipolar mother or eternally drunk father. Whether she was blackmailing her pervy boss or delivering testimony to attain full custody of the kids, Emmy Rossum hit it out of the park in season three this year, as she always has. It’s been said for years, please give Emmy an Emmy!

Keri Russel, The Americans

How can Keri Russel continuously make us sympathize with her character every week? It’s the superb acting, that’s what! Russel is brilliant in The Americans: completely believable, tough and yet vulnerable. She’s a wonder.

Kerry Washington, Scandal

The lip quiver is EVERYTHING. Scandal is one of the most fast-paced, heightened series on television right now. And Kerry Washington is commanding that hour on primetime like no one else.

Honorable Mention: Maggie Q, Nikita. The CW will never get nominated, but if there’s a performance that deserves it, it’s Maggie Q’s.