Emmy Awards 2015: Is it finally Jon Hamm's year to win?

In this image released by AMC, Jon Hamm portrays Don Draper in a scene from 'Mad Men.' The program was nominated for an Emmy Award on Thursday, July 16, 2015, for outstanding drama series. Hamm was also nominated for best actor in a drama series. (Michael Yarish/AMC via AP)

After seven unsuccessful nominations, will 2015 finally be the year that the "Mad Men" star wins the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series? Standing in the way of his first win are Kevin Spacey, Jeff Daniels, Bob Odenkirk, Kyle Chandler and Live Schreiber.

The absence of Bryan Cranston, multiple winner over the last few years, opens the door for Jon Hamm, who has been in the running for this recognition since 2008. Nominated every year, the actor who plays ad man Don Draper has never won (despite his show's numerous wins), beaten out by the likes of the "Breaking Bad" star, Damian Lewis of "Homeland," Jeff Daniels of "Newsroom" and Kyle Chandler of "Friday Night Lights."

Chandler, victorious in 2011, could once again take home the Emmy, this time for his portrayal of John Rayburn in Netflix's family drama "Bloodline." Jeff Daniels, winner in 2013, is shooting for his second win for his role in the third and final season of HBO's "The Newsroom."

A first for Kevin Spacey?

If Jon Hamm once again fails to win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, there's a good chance it'll be because Kevin Spacey has won for his role as a manipulative politician in "House of Cards." Previously nominated in 2013 and 2014, the actor has yet to take the top prize.

Bob Odenkirk and Liev Schreiber have both been nominated for the first time, for their roles in "Better Call Saul," the "Breaking Bad" spinoff, and "Ray Donovan," respectively.

Comedic competition

Winner at four of the last five Emmy Awards, Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" is not in the running this year, which leaves the title up for grabs by this year's nominees. Nominated four times since 2011, Matt LeBlanc ("Episodes") has his best chance yet, as does Don Cheadle ("House of Lies"), also previously nominated four times. Louis C.K. ("Louie"), who has been nominated five times, and William H. Macy ("Shameless"), nominated last year, are also in the running.

The favorite though is Jeffrey Tambor for his portrayal of a transgender parent in Amazon's comedy "Transparent," a performance that already netted him the Golden Globe in January.

Winners will be announced on September 20. The ceremony will take place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on Fox. Andy Samberg, star of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," will host the evening.