2014 Emmys: ‘True Detective,’ ‘The Bridge,’ ‘Hannibal’ stars top CarterMatt Drama Actor nods

We’re back now with our second day of releasing our own dream list of Emmy nominees here at CarterMatt, and today the focus is on what we feel is the most competitive Actor in a Drama Series races to date. Even if “True Detective” hadn’t made the decision to submit as a Drama rather than a Miniseries, this would have still been a difficult race. Now with them in it, though, this is a bloodbath.

Take a look below at our individual picks, and then also check out some other candidates and also a spot for you to cast your vote.

Demian Bichir, “The Bridge” (FX) – Probably the actor this year who not enough people are talking about right now. Bichir gave a tremendous performance as the Juarez detective who struggled to handle a mass killing spree that crossed the border from Mexico to the United States. Everyone, go back and watch this show. It’s worth it.

Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC) – Obviously, Cranston is the trendy pick and the odds-on favorite to win again for his final performance. Nevertheless, this was an incredible send-off for Walter White and one of his finest performances yet.

Hugh Dancy, “Hannibal” (NBC) – For those curious, Mads Mikkelsen is seemingly submitting as supporting, which is somewhat weird given that the show has his name in the title. Still, Dancy’s work here as a demented man haunted by nightmares, but still desperate to do the right thing, was commendable.

Woody Harrelson, “True Detective” (HBO) – We still stand by our belief that “True Detective” comprised of great individual moments and scenes that are probably much better than the show is overall. With that being said, Harrelson has been more of the unsung hero of this series. His character of Martin Hart was troubled, layered, and at times even evil, and he did so without making sculptures out of beer cans.

Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective” (HBO) – Not that there is anything wrong with making sculptures out of beer cans. Rust Cohle was without a doubt the flashier of the two roles, and McConaughey continued his great run recently with it. He, next to Cranston, is probably the favorite to win this.

Michael Sheen, “Masters of Sex” (Showtime) – The biggest thing working against Sheen, who brilliantly played Dr. William Masters, is circumstance. He is nominated in a year that included “True Detective,” and also the final season of “Breaking Bad.” Were it not for these things, he’d probably have a really good shot. As it is, he is probably still somewhat of a darkhorse.

The list of “snubbed” actors here is a big one, in between Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” who nearly made it this year), Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom”), Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”), Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”), Charlie Hunnam (“Sons of Anarchy”), James Spader (“The Blacklist”) and many more.

Who are you rooting for right now for the award? Sound off in the poll below, and head over here to see the rest of our Emmy selections. Also, you can sign up to get further TV updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: HBO