Emmy Predictions:Best Comedy, Actor

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

With Louie C.K.'s series over, and 'Episodes' on hiatus, there are going to be some fairly obvious openings in this category. Admittedly, Gael Garcia Bernal's Golden Globe for 'Mozart in the Jungle' could give him an entrance, but the Emmys ignored this series last time around. Keeping that in mind, here are the most likely nominees.

Anthony Anderson, 'black-ish'

He's been one of the most astounding actors in drama for many years, and when he returned to comedy, he did so in grand style. As Dre he demonstrates some of the most remarkable comic timing and back and forth as some of the greats, and deals with some of the more pressing issues of society - both comically and dramatically -- in superb fashion. He more than deserves to repeat.

Aziz Ansari, Master of None'

Admittedly, he deserved to recognized for his work on 'Parks and Rec', but that was practically lightweight to the tour-de-force that we have come to see on this show. Writing as well as starring in many of the episodes, creating a field of episodes that series like 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Louie'  only wished they could deal with. And in the middle of this, he was funny too. He deserves to finally be considered, and the odds are he will be.

Jerrod Carmichael, 'The Carmichael Show'

There are some comedians who push the envelope. And then there are the ones who do so far and so well, you forget that they're working in a medium so old, you're amazed its still in use. It's one thing to do a comedy show that deals with such big issues as race, religion, and Bill Cosby. Its another to do it front of an audience. For that alone he deserves a nod.

Thomas Middleditch, 'Silicon Valley'

As the beleaguered tech behind Pied Piper, its been a rough year for Richard. He's been fired from his job, found his entire vision was defeated by a ridiculous project, finally got his job back (after a disastrous interview was averted), finally launched his new project, only to find out its so complicated, normal people don't appreciate it to the point that his company is going to fail. Watching him endure all this, however, can have some great laughs. Let's see if he can get an Emmy nod this year.

Fred Savage, 'The Grinder'

Okay, this was a potentially funny comedy that ran into trouble early and never righted itself. But by essentially playing the straight man, and basically the only person on the entire show who didn't get why everybody considered Dean a better lawyer than him, Savage was by far the best thing about this series. Perhaps the show deserved to get canceled, but he deserved a nomination anyway.

Jeffrey Tambor, 'Transparent'

Considering how brilliant he was in this series freshman season, it would be very difficult for last year's winner to top himself. But as Maura became more of a woman, and started to wonder about the many flaws he committed as Mort, Tambor's portrayal became even more measured and fascinating, especially after much of the rest of his family was imploding. He's already taken a SAG award and another Critic's Choice, so it seems likely he's on his way to repeating.

WILD CARD

Andy Samberg, 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'

There are a lot of people who might shake up the race - Bernal and Don Cheadle's final season of  'House of Lies' are the most prominent - but Samberg's goofy mix of comedy, combined with a series of brilliant plots that make this series rival 'Barney Miller' in its prime, make him truly great. Why does he keep getting passed over?