N.B. These ballots are based on the official submissions and follow the Emmy rules for nominations (i.e. 10 for Programs, 6 for Actors and 5 for Casting). All ballots are in ranked order, with winners in bold.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
As always, there was no shortage of compelling actors in this category. Unfortunately, many of them will be leaving us, as they're shows had their final seasons. But it's not all sad news, as we'll definitely be seeing more of my top pick in the future...Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (for "Chapter 32")
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul (for "Pimento")
Joel Kinnaman, The Killing (for "The Good Soldier")
Timothy Olyphant, Justified (for "Collateral")
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (for "Person to Person")
Sam Heughan, Outlander (for "To Ransom a Man's Soul")
Previous Winners
2013: Damian Lewis, Homeland
2014: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
And now we come to the Emmy category that I'm most excited and nervous about. The number of quality performances in contention is staggering and each one is so unique. Even within my own limited lineup (I didn't watch "How to Get Away with Murder" or "Empire"), it was like a "Sophie's Choice" to narrow it down only 6. I don't envy the Emmy voters at all. Here's who I'm rooting for...Taylor Schilling, Orange is the New Black (for "Thirsty Bird")
Claire Danes, Homeland (for "Krieg Nicht Lieb")
Robin Wright, House of Cards (for "Chapter 32")
Kerry Washington, Scandal (for "Run")
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife (for "Message Discipline")
Mireille Enos, The Killing (for "Blood in the Water")
Previous Winners
2013: Claire Danes, Homeland
2014: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife