Golden Globes Best Actor in a TV Drama Nominees By Oscar Watch  [29 more lists]

The Golden Globes Best Actor in a TV Drama nominees include some of the best actors of all time to earn recognition for doing what they do best, portraying strong, controversial and quirky characters from the past, present and future. These Golden Globe-nominated actors each delivered performances to enhance and often carry the best dramatic television shows on TV today. For the 2012 awards, the nominees included 2011 winner Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire," Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad," Kelsey Grammer for "Boss," Jeremy Irons for "The Borgias" and Damian Lewis for "Homeland." Grammer took home the award as the 2012 Golden Globe Awards were handed out on January 15, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

It's no surprise that many of the Golden Globe Award-nominated lead actors come from the Golden Globe-nominated drama series as often times these characters are a big part of why series see success. Many times these actors portray the title characters, such as Hugh Laurie in "House" or Michael C. Hall in "Dexter." Other times the performance from the male lead in the show takes the series to a complete other level of excellence, such as Jon Hamm's portrayal of Don Draper in "Mad Men," Bryan Cranston's brilliance as Walter White in "Breaking Bad" or the 2011 Golden Globe-winner Steve Buscemi's work as Nucky Thompson in "Boardwalk Empire."

Since 1961 when the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama was first awarded, dozens of outstanding and legendary actors have earned the award. Everyone from Bob Newhart, who tied for the award in the inaugural season, to Dean Martin, John Forsythe, Martin Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland have each won the honor in the following years.

Just as the top women of the small screen who are nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama Series, these leading men continue to keep us glued to the tube with their award-winning performances.