Emmy Virgins: 14 Stars Celebrating Their First Nominations

Viola Davis, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

Boy, can she act--but, more than that, she can cry, a lot and very well, on camera. Davis had this nomination in the (body) bag for her work as a shady defense attorney in the twisty mystery.

Tatiana Maslany, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, ORPHAN BLACK

ORPHAN BLACK fans have rallied yearly for the Canadian actress, who plays several very different roles on the mind-bending science fiction series, to score a nomination. And, in return, she's kindly dedicated the nod to them.

Adrien Brody, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, HOUDINI
Timothy Hutton, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, AMERICAN CRIME

This is the first Emmy nomination for Oscar winners Brody and Hutton, who portrayed Hungarian-American illusionist Harry Houdini and a grieving father, respectfully. Perhaps it’s time to get started on those EGOTs, boys: Rap duo, anyone? No?

David Oyelowo, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, NIGHTINGALE

Denied an Oscar nomination for his role as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in last year’s SELMA, Oyelowo scored with his portrayal of a psychologically damaged war veteran in this TV movie.

Richard Jenkins, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, OLIVE KITTERIDGE

Few men can play a tortured, put-upon soul better than the 68-year-old actor, who's nominated for his role in OLIVE KITTERIDGE role as an affable pharmacist liked by everyone but his wife.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, THE HONORABLE WOMAN

The actress has already earned a Golden Globe for playing Nessa Stein, a philanthropist who gets trapped in an deadly international conspiracy in this British thriller.

Mark Rylance, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, THOMAS CROMWELL

The British actor can build a fence using his Olivier and Tony Awards. So why not add another spoke for playing Thomas Cromwell, the ruthless political genius who manipulated King Henry VIII of England from 1532 to 1540?

Titus Burgess, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDTM

Yeah, "females are strong as hell." But so was the Broadway vet's performance as the roommate and (somewhat) trusty confidant of fish-out-of-water Kimmy (Ellie Kemper).

Michael Kelly, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, HOUSE OF CARDS

Kelly's twisted Doug Stamper (who was recovering, poorly, from a brain injury) earned almost as much screen time as HOUSE OF CARDS' hero, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). Note: The 47-year-old actor has appeared in at least one project for every year of his life.

Ben Mendelsohn, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, BLOODLINE

The Australian actor killed it (and got killed) as doomed Danny Rayburn in Netflix's Southern drama.

Niecy Nash, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, GETTING ON

The outrageous RENO 911 star and reality show host was the standout of HBO's woefully underrated sitcom.

Gaby Hoffman
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, TRANSPARENT
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, GIRLS

The former child star earned two nominations this year, both for playing troubled young women.

Anthony Anderson, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, BLACK-ISH

There is little "-ish" about the comedian's performance as the upwardly-mobile father of four in the ABC sitcom.