Emmys 2021: Supporting Actor In A Drama — Our 7 Dream Nominees!

In last year's Emmy race for Supporting Actor in a Drama, more than 50 percent of the nominees hailed from just two series: HBO's Succession and Apple TV+'s The Morning Show.

But with the pandemic delaying the latest seasons of both shows, rendering its cast members kudos-ineligible, the race is primed for a shake-up. And it just so happens we know of seven very worthy candidates who could fill those vacancies.

Scroll through the list below to review all seven of our Dream Nominees (remember, these aren't predictions; they're wish lists) and then tell us if our picks warrant a "Hell, yes!," "Um, no" or "How could you leave off so-and-so?!"For the record, 2021 Emmy nominations will be voted on from June 17-28, and unveiled on July 13. The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 on CBS.

Scroll down for links to our previous Dream Emmy categories:

Outstanding Drama Series — Our 7 Dream NomineesOutstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series — Our 7 Dream NomineesOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series — Our 8 Dream NomineesOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series — Our 8 Dream Nominees

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: The physical transformation the Patriot vet underwent in the Apple TV+ drama's second season — he gained and then shed 40 lbs. as his character Gordo struggled with depression — was in and of itself award-worthy. But it was the depth, complexity, humor, heroism and humanity that Dorman brought to what could've been a rote antihero role that guaranteed him a spot on this list.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: Short of Kelly Reilly, no one plays a dichotomy as well as her leading man. He makes you believe Rip Wheeler is both the meanest polecat ever to make his home on the range and the biggest softie ever to hide his heart beneath a denim sleeve. And when you consider how the actor redefined "tough" in Season 3, as Rip handled adversaries new and old, and elevated "tender" in his vulnerable interactions with true love Beth, you bet your saddle Hauser belongs among the actors rounded up for a nomination.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: As brash, whiny tech titan-turned-convict Colin on HBO's revival, the Big C and Manhattan veteran was a nightmare as a patient, but a dream as an actor. Colin has his charms, but he is also a mischievous provocateur, turning his therapy sessions with Uzo Aduba's Brooke into verbal sparring matches, and Hickey dug deep into the psyche of a privileged white man who sees the rest of the world passing him by and is mad as hell about it.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: Don't let Uncle Jerome's all-too-accurate Full Force vibe — replete with a moist Jheri curl wig, gold rings and muscles — fool you. Joseph, especially in Season 4, brought gravitas to his portrayal with his posture, shifts of his mouth and eyes communicating everything from incredulity to heartbreak. Episode 9 featured multiple standout scenes, including a frightening fistfight with Franklin, which ultimately made Jerome crumple into tears for his wounded wife in the hospital and all their fleeting dreams.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: Lithgow was the perfect counterbalance to star Matthew Rhys in the HBO legal reboot as respected attorney E.B. Jonathan, serving as a tough but fair mentor to the erratic private eye. Plus, he even showed us a little fire in his ongoing feud with Stephen Root's D.A. Maynard Barnes. But Lithgow truly shined when E.B.'s finances went south, rendering the old man's mounting panic and despair in heartbreaking fashion.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: Commander Joseph Lawrence is the most frustrating of enigmas. Is he June's ally? Is he a devious power-grabber who's cunning enough to operate under everyone's radar? We've truly got no clue — and that's because Whitford is so good at playing his chimera of a character. Exhibit A: his conversation with June at the torture center in this season's Episode 3. Whitford made Lawrence seem compassionate, fatalistic and resigned, drawing us in and confounding us at the same time.

WHY HE DESERVES A NOD: Williams turned in an especially powerful performance in the episode that sent Tic & Co. back to 1921 Tulsa, taking Montrose through the wringer via an emotional confession that his brother George actually might be Tic's father. Later, as Montrose was confronted by many of his painful childhood memories — including the moment just before his crush, Thomas, was about to be shot dead as the infamous massacre ignited — Williams' face registered every single bit of loss and trauma.