Hollywood rolled out the red carpet once again for the finest in television at last Sunday’s Emmys. And though it was great seeing low-key performers such as The Master of None’s Aziz Ansari and Bloodline’s Ben Mendelsohn receive recognition, there are other stars who’ve been in the game for a minute, yet still haven’t permeated that tight circle of critical acclaim. Here are five performances we’re amazed haven’t gotten Emmys acting nods.
1. Enrique Murciano (“Power”): Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
First off, smash hit television drama “Power” is an underrated series in general. Though the show recently broke records for the Starz network this year in its third season, academies continue to overlook the program’s acting, cinematography and scriptwriting when it comes to award acknowledgement.
Chronicling the life of a highly respected drug distributor, James “Ghost” St. Patrick, and his constant efforts to trudge his way out the drug game, “Power” introduces all sorts of antagonists determined to keep Ghost right where he is. But none hold a candle to Ghost’s “jefe” Felipe Lobos, played by Murciano, a flamboyant Mexican drug lord calling all the shots with both menace and hilarity.
In a time when gay characters are still deduced down to caricature and drug lords are stereotypically depicted as well, Murciano breaks away from the norm in his choice to portray Lobos in all his complexity, tapping into the darkness, injecting comedic relief and striking just the right tone in this gritty drama.
2. Jordan Peele (“Key and Peele”): Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Although his comedic partner Keegan-Michael Key received an Emmy nominations for his work in their Comedy Central variety series last year, Peele never got an acting nod, not in all five seasons of the show.
And to be honest, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. Don’t get it twisted. Key managed to constantly go viral over well-known personalities such as Mr. Garvey (A-a-ron!) and president Obama’s anger translator Luther. But Peele delivered just as many uproarious sketches and memorable characters. Whether it was “bedridden” geek Wendell or Meegan, the psycho, spoiled girlfriend, Peele never failed to impress and commit to the role 100%. So if Key could get a nod, why not Peele, too?
3. Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”): Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Why Lincoln has never received an Emmy nomination, in all six seasons of “The Walking Dead,” is beyond anybody who loves television. While the show may have its critics with regard to plotline pacing, special effects and a recent finale fakeout, the acting on the show has never been questioned.
And at the top of the list of prominent thespians is Lincoln, a lighthearted London native playing an emotionally wounded (but quite literally, cutthroat) leader from the southern depths of Atlanta, Georgia. C’mon! After all the evolving the series has done, Lincoln still knows his character inside and out. He portrays his protagonist with an almost primal grittiness, and at the same time, arises to the challenge when demonstrating his character’s innermost vulnerabilities when the time is right.
4. Denis O’ Hare (“American Horror Story: Hotel”): Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

O’Hare kills every role he plays. “Milk,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “True Blood,” you name it, he was amazing in it. And he has received nominations for “American Horror Story” and “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”But somewhere in all the Gaga hype, O’Hare was completely overlooked. As Liz Taylor, cheeky transgendered hotel bartender and the Countess’ right-hand woman, O’Hare brought tears to many who watched him bring light to a woman’s struggle in love, acceptance and regret. From the bright eye shadows to the sexy cigarette smoking, O’Hare was acting through every inch of his body, not to mention, he learned how to walk in heels like a QUEEN. Women have been trying to master that one for a century now, and most of us still can’t get it right.
5. Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”): Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Possibly the most underrated comedy on television right now, “Jane the Virgin,” along with its entire cast is something really special, (particularly Jaime Camil as Jane’s father Rogelio, the soap star). Rodriguez stunned everyone when she won her first golden globe for her breakout role in 2014, which came after only her first nomination. But the Emmys have yet to give her the props she deserves.
That women can cry, like really cry. She plays Jane with such a genuine spirit that tugs on your heartstrings and gets you right in the feels every time. As Jane, a moral Catholic accidentally, artificially inseminated by her baby daddy’s sister, Rodriguez brings the house down with her comedic timing, dramatic chops, and attention to authenticity. She isn’t even acting, she’s being and breathing her character, probably before the camera even starts rolling.
Sigh, sometimes the academies don’t know what they have, even when it’s hitting them right between the eyes. But what these actors can’t do come award season, they sure make up for in public approval.























