The 2010 Emmys: Handicapping the Race for Supporting Actress In a Drama

In the weeks leading up to the Emmys on Aug. 29, PopcornBiz will be sizing up the nominees in the 10 biggest categories. The economy is in the tank, so no wagering, please.

Sharon Gless, "Burn Notice"
This one-time perennial nominee is great as star Jeffrey Donovan's mother, Madeline, but she seems out of place among the other nominees, maybe because as "dramas" go, "Burn Notice" is a pretty light affair -- this is to take nothing away from it, but it's not the kind of work that typically inspires "drama" awards. Odds of winning:  10 to 1

Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"
Fairly or not, two of the greatest threats to Baranski's chances are the presence of co-star Archie Panjabi as a fellow nominee and her nomination as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her turn as Sheldon's mother on "The Big Bang Theory. Odds of winning:  9 to 1

Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"
Demoted from last year when she was up for Best Actress (of her own volition to clear the way for co-star January Jones' nomination), Moss's diminished force on "Mad Men" is unlikely to bolster support among voters. Odds of winning:  7 to 1

Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife"
Awards bodies love non-hetero roles, and while Archie isn't out, there's no shortage of speculation about her love life. Great actress, a good show, but it probably won't be quite enough. Odds of winning:  5 to 1

Rose Byrne, "Damages"
This is her second nomination for the great work she's been doing opposite Glenn Close and she's the only holdover from lats year's nominees. Anyone who goes toe-to-toe with Close deserves serious consideration. Odds of winning:  3 to 1

Christina Hendricks, "Mad Men"
This is Hendricks' first nomination and it's long over due. The redheaded bombshell has no doubt been overlooked in the past because of her looks and zaftig figure, but she's arguably the show's secret weapon, and the storyline involving her troubled marriage gave her a chance to shine. Odds of winning:  3 to 2

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