Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series 2012

The Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series 2012 category recognized the leading ladies of television for the 2011-12 season. These six ladies were all named the best of the best and vied for the Emmy Award which was handed out to Claire Danes for "Homeland" on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the 64th Primetime Emmys. Comedian and television personality Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Of the 2012 nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, two have recently won in this category for their superb performances on the small screen. 2011 winner Julianna Margulies was back to defend her crown for her work as litigator and wife to a scandalous state attorney in "The Good Wife" while Glenn Close, who won the award in 2008 and 2009 tried to make it three for her portrayal as fellow litigator and powerful female lead Patty Hewes in the FX drama series "Damages."

But hot on the heels of these ladies were four other actresses hoping to win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2012 Emmy Awards. Elizabeth Moss, who plays Peggy Olsen in the male-dominated advertising drama "Mad Men," Claire Danes, as Carrie Mathison, star of the CIA/military thriller "Homeland," Michelle Dockery, who portrays Lady Mary Crawley in the PBS period piece "Downton Abbey" and Kathy Bates, whose role as Harriet Korn on the NBC drama "Harry's Law" has made her a favorite, were all nominated to vie for this title at the awards ceremony.

For more coverage of the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards and information on the nominees and winners in other categories check out Emmy Awards Outstanding Drama Series 2012, Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series 2012 and Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2012.