Dream Emmy Ballot 2015: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Uzo Aduba as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren in Orange is the New Black

Watching 'Crazy Eyes' get manipulated by 'Vee' was not fun.  In her flashback episode Suzanne is a young woman who's innocence shines through; she has a heart of gold, but can become easily attached.  Uzo Aduba nailed this character's need for a prison mother who could bend her to her whim.

Carrie Coon as Nora Durst in The Leftovers

In a show that was so polarizing, and overwrought, there were performances like Carrie Coon's that made this show strong.  What happens when your entire family just disappears?  As Nora Coon navigates this existence, going from being a living shell of a human to raging against this experience.  One of the strongest performances this year.

Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway in Mad Men

In the final season of Mad Men, I loved watching Joan stand up to the establishment.  Joan sold her body to become a partner a few years ago, but in this season she refused to sell herself to prove her worth again.  Christina Hendricks captured so many brilliant aspects of this character over the year, but she nailed her curtain call.

Elizabeth Marvel as Heather Dunbar in House of Cards

In an uneven season Elizabeth Marvel was the stand out in House of Cards.  Watching Heather Dunbar rail against Francis and the political system was master acting, but was even better was when she colluded to become part of those dark dealings.  I loved watch Marvel nail the humble politician who evolved into her own person, the stand out of the third season.

Maura Tierney as Helen Solloway in The Affair

I have always worshipped at the alter of Maura Tierney, from News Radio to ER, and I am glad she has gotten another fantastic role to sink her teeth into.  Helen Solloway could have been a thankless part, but Tierney's acting nails every aspect of this woman, from her old free spirited nature rebelling against her rich parents to the privilege she loves (down deep).  Tierney deserves to be honored for fleshing out this character.

Lorraine Toussaint as Yvonne 'Vee' Parker in Orange is the New Black

One of the darkest television characters, most irredeemable I ever encountered on television.  'Vee' blew into Litchfield with guns blazing, a former inmate she was a master manipulator used to running the show, but she had to reestablish her turf.  Watching Toussaint take down and manipulate, especially Suzanne was difficult, but there are so few female characters that are created in this light, and I loved the way Toussaint played this; she has always been fantastic, and this role showed her talent on a whole new level.

Runner Ups: Lena Headey-Game of Thrones, Danielle Brooks-Orange is the New Black, and Amy Landecker-Transparent