2014 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

2014 Nomination Predictions
Louis C.K. "Louie"
Don Cheadle "House of Lies"
Matt LeBlanc "Episodes"
Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Andy Samberg "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Robin Williams "The Crazy Ones"

Other Contenders - William H. Macy "Shameless", Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men", Johnny Galecki "The Big Bang Theory", Thomas Middleditch "Silicon Valley", David Walton "About a Boy", Chris Messina "The Mindy Project", Adam Scott "Parks & Recreation", Michael J. Fox "The Michael J. Fox Show", Sean Hayes "Sean Saves the World", Tim Allen "Last Man Standing", Jake Johnson "New Girl", John Goodman "Alpha House"

Commentary - Will Jim Parsons tie the record for most wins? While many will scoff at this, it really looks like a huge possibility. Louis C.K. is a definite nominee, but I think he is destined to end his Emmy run with Louie with no acting Emmys, kind of like Larry David. It is just not the type of performance that wins Emmys. Don Cheadle and Matt LeBlanc are kind of in the same boat. Both will return on their personal popularity (despite lack of real support for either show). But unless they just blow voters out of the water with a great episode submission, I don't see either really winning. Beyond these four returning nominees, there looks like there will be two newcomers to the race. I think Andy Samberg is pretty safe, and if he submits the season finale, or at least an episode later on in the season where the writers make him more likable, then he has a shot at beating Parsons. But his biggest competition could come from Robin Williams. Williams of course has to get in despite lack of critical support, and the fact that his show was cancelled. But if he can get through the first phase and actually snag a nomination (which considering his personal popularity, this is a distinct possibility), then he will have several options of episodes in the classic David E. Kelley style with big speeches and ranging emotions that wins people Emmys. Looking beyond these six, Jon Cryer is still a possibility. The voters love him and even though Two and a Half Men has turned to complete crap, if they are looking for a slot filler, they could go back to an old favorite. Speaking of old favorites, that means that in this year, where at least one slot is up for grabs, then veterans like Michael J. Fox, Johnny Galecki, Sean Hayes, John Goodman, and Tim Allen should not be discounted. A lot of people are predicting Thomas Middleditch to ride a wave of Silicon Valley love. While I think he's great, I wonder just how much support Silicon Valley has. And even if the show is well-liked, I don't see such a subtle performance getting in over the broader and more veteran performances.