Cranston, Hall head for drama-tic duel in Sunday’s Emmy Awards
by "Reload" Joe Freda
Bryan Cranston and Michael C. Hall are the present co-favorites in Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, leading a field of six nominees for the coveted prize. Sports books list both rivals as 7/4 choices, lowering odds on the two performers since opening both at 4/1 and greater, two months ago.
Cranston’s role of Walter White on the series “Breaking Bad” has earned him two straight Emmy’s in the first two years of the AMC drama. The 54-year old was initially not favored by odds makers to win a third, with Hugh Laurie of “House” opening as the category’s 2/1 ‘chalk.’
Hall, who leads Showtime’s “Dexter” as Dexter Morgan, has been defeated twice by Cranston. The cable-television veteran was also nominated in 2002 for his role of David Fisher on HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” losing to Michael Chiklis of “The Shield.”
Laurie has seen his odds rise to 3/1 on some boards, heading into Sunday’s gala with a longer losing streak than Hall. The British performer has been nominated four times in the past five years for his portrayal of Dr. Gregory House, with his first two defeats coming in 2005 and 2007 against James Spader of “Boston Legal.”
John Hamm of “Mad Men” (7/1), Kyle Chandler (11/1) from “Friday Night Lights” and “Lost” star Matthew Fox (11/1) round out the field as longer shots. Hamm, like Hall, has been unable to get past Cranston for two years. Chandler and Fox have been nominated for the first time, despite having their roles for a combined 12 years.
‘Close’ call not expected among leading ladies
Julianna Margulies of “The Good Wife” is presently a 2/3 odds-on choice to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role of Alicia Florrick, giving the first-year series its strongest chance for an Emmy. The 44-year old has not been a candidate for the category since being defeated for four straight years (1997-2000) by four different winners, while starring as Carol Hathaway on NBC’s “ER.”
Margulies, who opened as a 3/1 favorite, faces five challengers in her hunt for the honor that has eluded her.
Glenn Close’s quest for a third straight Emmy as Patty Hewes on “Damages” cannot be ignored, with the 63-year old’s odds dropping from a 6/1 opening price to as low as 9/2 on some boards. The series’ declining ratings in its three seasons is a main factor for Close failing to be favored, but early betting action has given an indication that the odds are a possible overlay.
Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer” is a 5/1 choice, receiving her fifth straight Emmy nomination. The New York City native’s two defeats to Close were preceeded by setbacks against Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2006) and Sally Field of “Brothers & Sisters” (2007).
Hargitay is the category’s longest shot at 10/1 for her role of Detective Olivia Benson, which has made the UCLA alum 1-for-6 at the Emmy’s since 2004. The California native’s series has declined in viewership for four straight years, but has been renewed for a 12th season by NBC.
Connie Britton of “Friday Night Lights” and January Jones from “Mad Men” round out the field as 7/1 choices. The two first-time nominees have mildly dropped in price after both opening at 8/1.
Sunday’s spectacle will be broadcast live by NBC, beginning at 8 p.m. (ET). Jimmy Fallon is slated to host the affair, with Hamm, Hargitay, Jones and Margulies listed among the award presenters.
by "Reload" Joe Freda
Bryan Cranston and Michael C. Hall are the present co-favorites in Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, leading a field of six nominees for the coveted prize. Sports books list both rivals as 7/4 choices, lowering odds on the two performers since opening both at 4/1 and greater, two months ago.
Cranston’s role of Walter White on the series “Breaking Bad” has earned him two straight Emmy’s in the first two years of the AMC drama. The 54-year old was initially not favored by odds makers to win a third, with Hugh Laurie of “House” opening as the category’s 2/1 ‘chalk.’
Hall, who leads Showtime’s “Dexter” as Dexter Morgan, has been defeated twice by Cranston. The cable-television veteran was also nominated in 2002 for his role of David Fisher on HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” losing to Michael Chiklis of “The Shield.”
Laurie has seen his odds rise to 3/1 on some boards, heading into Sunday’s gala with a longer losing streak than Hall. The British performer has been nominated four times in the past five years for his portrayal of Dr. Gregory House, with his first two defeats coming in 2005 and 2007 against James Spader of “Boston Legal.”
John Hamm of “Mad Men” (7/1), Kyle Chandler (11/1) from “Friday Night Lights” and “Lost” star Matthew Fox (11/1) round out the field as longer shots. Hamm, like Hall, has been unable to get past Cranston for two years. Chandler and Fox have been nominated for the first time, despite having their roles for a combined 12 years.
‘Close’ call not expected among leading ladies
Julianna Margulies of “The Good Wife” is presently a 2/3 odds-on choice to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role of Alicia Florrick, giving the first-year series its strongest chance for an Emmy. The 44-year old has not been a candidate for the category since being defeated for four straight years (1997-2000) by four different winners, while starring as Carol Hathaway on NBC’s “ER.”
Margulies, who opened as a 3/1 favorite, faces five challengers in her hunt for the honor that has eluded her.
Glenn Close’s quest for a third straight Emmy as Patty Hewes on “Damages” cannot be ignored, with the 63-year old’s odds dropping from a 6/1 opening price to as low as 9/2 on some boards. The series’ declining ratings in its three seasons is a main factor for Close failing to be favored, but early betting action has given an indication that the odds are a possible overlay.
Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer” is a 5/1 choice, receiving her fifth straight Emmy nomination. The New York City native’s two defeats to Close were preceeded by setbacks against Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2006) and Sally Field of “Brothers & Sisters” (2007).
Hargitay is the category’s longest shot at 10/1 for her role of Detective Olivia Benson, which has made the UCLA alum 1-for-6 at the Emmy’s since 2004. The California native’s series has declined in viewership for four straight years, but has been renewed for a 12th season by NBC.
Connie Britton of “Friday Night Lights” and January Jones from “Mad Men” round out the field as 7/1 choices. The two first-time nominees have mildly dropped in price after both opening at 8/1.
Sunday’s spectacle will be broadcast live by NBC, beginning at 8 p.m. (ET). Jimmy Fallon is slated to host the affair, with Hamm, Hargitay, Jones and Margulies listed among the award presenters.