2013 Emmy preview: Can Tatiana Maslany or Katey Sagal take down Claire Danes?

Yesterday, we wrote about six of our top contenders for the Actor in a Drama Series prize for the Primetime Emmy Awards, and this is a category that really should be just as competitive: Actress in a Drama Series. While we are well aware that a certain “Homeland” star is considered the favorite, we legitimately believe that this could be more of a competition than some pundits out there are predicting.

Do you agree or disagree with these choices? We want to hear your thoughts below! Also, be sure to head over to this link to read all of our Emmy preview coverage.

Michelle Dockery, “Downton Abbey” (PBS) – Dockery is definitely a lead this year, and while we don’t think that the show as a whole was as strong at times this season, it was rather magnificent to see the light and shade in Mary this year. We were just starting to see something different in her, and then, well … we don’t want to bring up any bad memories.

Vera Farmiga, “Bates Motel” (A&E) – We included Freddie Highmore as a lead yesterday, only to find out today that he is actually running as supporting, (nerd rage commencing) which is complete and total garbage considering he is the lead and deserving of the nomination as a lead more so then Farmiga (nerd rage over). Anyhow, we understand why A&E is putting so much stock in getting Vera a nod for Norma Bates, and we do believe that it is going to genuinely happen this year.

Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black” (BBC America) – The biggest surprise of the year, mostly because we had no idea what this show would be before it premiered. Now that we have seen her earth-shattering performance as countless characters, Tatiana is who we genuinely want to win this year. We’ve never seen anything quite like this, and we can’t wait for more.

Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” (AMC) – The thing about Moss is that even when she doesn’t have a lot of screen-time, she still is the centerpiece of almost any scene. Strange as it may sound, one of the things that makes her so great as an actor is that we genuinely cannot always label what it is about her that makes her so talented.

Katey Sagal, “Sons of Anarchy” (FX) – Why, oh why, must you continue to ignore FX’s motorcycle drama? We don’t know, but Katey has been fantastic for five years now, and the Golden Globes are the only major awards show that seems to be bothered to notice her incredible talent. Gemma managed to anger us, make us feel for her, and break our heart … and all within a few episodes.

Kerry Washington, “Scandal” (ABC) – Yes, network shows do exist! This was in so many ways the year of “Scandal” when you look at its runaway success, and Kerry is the biggest reason why. Her take on Olivia Pope is powerful, vulnerable, and inspiring in so many ways.

Photo: Emmys