Emmys 2015: 5 categories to watch on TV's big night
History could be made on Sunday night
Diabolical politicians, an ambitious woman who controls dragons, a transgender parent and conflicted advertising executives.
These are a few of the storylines being honoured at the Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday night at a televised ceremony that could make history.
Here are five categories to watch, reflecting a year in television that welcomed some funny new faces and bid familiar ones farewell.
Outstanding drama series
What do you get when you mix terrorism-fighting government agents, duelling families facing supernatural "White Walkers," egomaniacal politicians, female inmates jockeying for power, 1920s aristocrats and their servants, a scam artist-turned-lawyer and advertising execs struggling with changing times?
You get this year's nominees for best drama series.
Comprising Homeland, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Downton Abbey, Better Call Saul and Mad Men, it's easily one of the most competitive categories,
Still, watch for nostalgia to rule: the money's on Mad Men to take the golden statuette and officially send off Don Draper and the Sterling Cooper gang.
Outstanding lead actress in a drama series
History could be made if Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) or Taraji P. Henson (Empire) take home the trophy. It would mark the first time an African-American actress has won in this prominent category.
Davis and Henson face competition from Homeland's Claire Danes, Elizabeth Moss of Mad Men, Robin Wright from House of Cards and Canada's own Tatiana Maslany, nominated for Orphan Black.
Outstanding lead actor in a drama series
Could this be the year that Jon Hamm is finally recognized for his indelible performance as Don Draper on Mad Men? The actor has been nominated in this category eight times, but never won.
The conclusion of the influential show this past year could give Hamm the momentum to take the prize.
But while Hamm's deeply flawed Draper is now firmly embedded into pop culture, this category also features a range of talented actors that make it an interesting race to watch.
Hamm is up against Kyle Chandler (Bloodline), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) Liev Schrieber (Ray Donovan) and Kevin Spacey (House of Cards).
Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series
They make us laugh about everything, from life in Washington to aging disgracefully to keeping one's head above water in Hollywood.
This category includes Edie Falco's Nurse Jackie, Amy Poehler's finale season of Parks and Recreation, the irrepressible Lily Tomlin in Grace and Frankie, Lisa Kudrow's hilarious performance in The Comeback, repeat winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus of Veep and comedy It girl Amy Schumer.
The category is too tight to call, which makes for exciting viewing.
Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series
Seven funny actors are nominated in this category, but only one portrays a transgender woman.
That's why Jeffrey Tambor might ride the zeitgeist to his first Emmy win for his performance in Transparent.
Four of his rival nominees are repeat contenders: Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Louis C.K. (Louie), Matt Leblanc (Episodes) and William H. Macy (Shameless).
Two other first-timers round out the category: Anthony Anderson for Black-ish and Will Forte for The Last Man on Earth.
Regardless of who takes home the hardware, the strength of these nominees demonstrate that it's been a great year for television.