Andre Braugher - "Homicide: Life On The Street" (3-1)

What, is the nominating committee completely oblivious to the cries of various critics across the country? For years, they've pleaded for Braugher to be nominated, and many believe he should've won several times. However, the nominations didn't materialize until this year, which, as fate would have it, is Braugher's last year on "Homicide" as Det. Frank Pembleton, the ever emotional lead interrogator for his precinct of the Baltimore P.D. Ironically, this, in my opinion, was not Braugher's strongest season. He had a memorable confrontation with Dr. Roxanne Turner, a specialist in assisted suicide previously seen on "St. Elsewhere," and played by the brilliant Alfre Woodard, who was nominated for this guest appearance. Nevertheless, there weren't many other bright, shining moments Braugher can point to this season, and due to that unfortunate sense of timing the nominators have, his chances here are lessened. Voters who may have been waiting for a chance to honor Braugher are still anxious, though, and their strength may help him capture the previously elusive victory.

David Duchovny - "The X-Files"(5-1)

I still haven't seen an episode of "The X-Files." Predictably, I also didn't go to see the hit motion picture based on the show this summer. However, I'm no dummy. I've heard all the hype surrounding this show, and wherever there's hype, plus a shred of talent, there's always a chance for prestige. Gillian Anderson earned that prestige last year, capturing the first major Emmy in the history of the Fox network. Is Duchovny due? Beats me. From the recent snippets I've seen of his performances, Fox Mulder is still as intense as he was last year. Unfortunately, Duchovny has been recently quoted in the press as being intensely angry with, among other things, Anderson's lobbying to earn as much as him. He says Mulder is too often the victim while Scully is almost mandatorily the heroine, and that he and Anderson "don't socialize." The truth is out there: he dissed a recent Emmy winner. That won't sit well with voters. Oh well. Duchovny probably doesn't need Emmy anyway. He recently married Tea Leoni, and her successful film "Deep Impact" should bring their household much happi......wait a minute! She probably made more money than him this year! Tea, whatever you do, keep those big paychecks hush-hush.

Anthony Edwards - "ER" (4-1)

Speaking of big paychecks, Edwards, along with costar Noah Wyle, just signed on for four more seasons of "ER," with the added enjoyment of a big fat raise. Why not? With George Clooney exiting the show next season, Dr. Mark Greene will become the undisputed lead doctor of the "ER" team. While Clooney turned in good work this year (Dr. Ross' father died), he is absent from the nominees for a second straight year. Leave it to the dependable Edwards to boast a strong showing. His excellent turns also dealt with his parents who reside in San Diego - his gruff, military-man father ("Northern Exposure"s John Cullum), and his ailing mother (Bonnie Bartlett, a multiple Emmy winner for "St. Elsewhere"). Besides his clashes with Dad over Mom's medical care, he also dealt with a new relationship, and subsequent breakup, with a hospital receptionist. All in all, another stellar year for Edwards. Whether or not his acting is up to par is not a question anymore. The question is always whether another nominee has turned in a performance with more drama or more gusto. Unfortunately for Edwards, the proceeding nominee did both this season....

Dennis Franz - "NYPD Blue" (3-1)

Franz always gets juicy, tough guy plots on "Blue." "Law & Order" cop portrayer Jerry Orbach once said he was jealous whenever he'd turn the channel "and get to see Dennis Franz slap a suspect." There is just no tougher cop on TV than Andy Sipowicz, and no dramatic actor with more consistent excellence than Franz. All of which made this season's Sipowicz story line a saddening and delightful shock at once. Andy was diagnosed with prostate cancer - "prostrate," as he erroneously remarks - and suddenly, TV's tough guy was ravaged with the fear of prematurely leaving this earth, and his beloved wife and infant son. Last season, his mature son was murdered, and now this new pain. A weaker man would've understandably broken under the pressure, but Sipowicz fought valiantly, taking his first steps after surgery with excruciating pain, but also with an iron will to go on walking. This plot displayed Franz' splendid range more than any previous story, reminded us that even the toughest men can be humbled, and gave us an example of bravery that is, without a doubt, an Emmy worthy role model for all downtrodden viewers.

Jimmy Smits - "NYPD Blue"(8-1)

I know I criticized Jimmy Smits last year. Let me just say that, even if incoming cast member Rick "Silver Spoons" Schroder proves to be a worthy replacement for Smits next season, I will miss him nonetheless. Smits is a better dramatic actor than his predecessor, David Caruso, and I have no complaints with his portrayal of Bobby Simone, the tough cop with the heart of gold and a fragile wife. It's just that, as I said last year, his partner is Dennis Franz. Smits is tough with a heart of gold. Franz is gritty with a heart of gold. It's simply all a matter of approach. Smits was excellent this year as he comforted his future wife, Diane, on her miscarriage, but besides that, he's had less than riveting material to work with. Franz, on the other hand, had the better storyline yet again, and is so believable, so relateable, so NYPD, that Smits will have, unfortunately, entered and exited "Blue" in Franz' formidable shadow. Kudos to him anyway for his invaluable contribution throughout the last four seasons.

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