2011 Primetime Emmy faves
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out this Sunday. Who has the best shot at taking home one of the top ones?
Jessica Shaw, senior writer for Entertainment Weekly magazine, said a lot of first-timers will likely win this time around.
Pictures: Emmy nominees 2011
Special section: Emmys 2011
Julianna Margulies, Shaw said, is the favorite to win best actress this year.
"There are some great people nominated alongside her -- Elisabeth Moss, Mireille Enos for 'The Killing' -- but I think this is Julianna's year. Her character, Alicia, is so buttoned-up, and this year she got to lose it, she kicked her husband out, she lost it on her friend who slept with him, she was just extraordinary."
Margulies previously won a supporting actress Emmy in 1995 for "ER."
Shaw said, "She has not yet been awarded for 'Good Wife,' and she deserves it."
What about best actor in a comedy? CBS has a few contenders, including last year's winners, Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki, both of "The Big Bang Theory."
But Shaw said neither of them is likely to take home the prize this year.
"Unfortunately, when two people are nominated from the same show, they cancel each other out. As much as I love them, I love the show, I don't think either one will win, because the award has to go to Steve Carell. It was his best year. He didn't check out in his last year. He didn't say, 'I'm leaving next year.' He was terrific. His last episode was amazing."
Shaw says best actor in a drama is the most interesting race this year.
"Brian Cranston from 'Breaking Bad' is not eligible because of when it aired. ... I think it's going to 'Madmen,' to Jon Hamm, but certainly, you never know, --it could be Steve Buscemi (for 'Boardwalk Empire'). A lot of people think he could take it home."
While the big actors always draw a lot of attention, Shaw says there are a few other people off-the-radar that are drawing her interest, including Amy Poehler for "Parks and Recreation" or Louie C.K. for the comedy "Louis."
Shaw said, "Three people watch (Louie C.K.'s) show; it's hilarious. I love that he was nominated. It shows that the Emmy voters are really paying attention to what's on TV."
"Early Show" co-anchor Chris Wragge asked if Louie C.K. is at a disadvantage because popularity also plays a part here.
"Yes. In his case, just being nominated is the award," Shaw said.