The Emmy nominations are right around the corner and they are notorious for leaving out actors that should have been nominated. The Walking Dead does occasionally grab some nods, usually in things like makeup or special effects, but season 5 definitely deserves to see some actors in Leading or Supporting categories. While they may not be nominated, here is my list of the five actors that should be nominated for the 2015 Emmys.
Note: If you’re not caught up on Season 5, this article may contain some episode spoilers.

Steven Yeun as Glenn Rhee

Glenn has come a long way from that pizza boy we met in season one. All the characters have changed, but Glenn has been a part of some of the biggest transformations. While Yeun’s acting was on point all season long, the last half was a particular pleasure to watch. If I had to pick one episode to show why he should be nominated it would be “Spend.” Seeing the complexity of emotion on Glenn’s face as Noah was being eaten was intense, as was his performance before, in attempting to save Aiden, and after in dealing with the fallout of the entire event.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon

Reedus is always on point, as Daryl. He’s been a fan favorite since the beginning, but he’s also one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood with the type of cult following that he has. Daryl is like a child coming out of his shell, and in Season 5 we really got a chance to see that. One of my favorite episodes to show his transformation is a tie between “No Sanctuary” and “Coda.” In both episodes you see a wide range of emotions in Daryl, showing the feelings he has developed for these people that have become like family to him. Both episodes make you feel things for Daryl while giving well-acted, intense performances.

Chad L Coleman as Tyreese

Chad L Coleman is often a silent force as Tyreese. He kept his head down and did what he needed to do to survive. While his character was essential to the group survival, at the same time, he was not a standout because he just did what he needed to do without rocking any boats. Unfortunately, these kinds of characters sometimes go unnoticed. Coleman’s performance during Tyreese’s last moments in “What Happened and What’s Going On” cannot be ignored, however. The scenes of the ghosts of the group’s past have come back to haunt him, or promise him safe passage, and each ghost tends to bring a different memory, range of emotions, and response that is required from Coleman. It is beautiful and sad to watch, making it one of the best moments of the season.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes

Andrew Lincoln is one of the best actors on The Walking Dead. As Rick, he is a staple of the show. While it’s an ensemble, he’s definitely the main protagonist. In Season 5 more than any other, Rick has had to step up and really try to find safety for these people that he’s grown to care about. They are tired, hungry, and sick of being in the woods. They suffer loss after loss without catching a break. Many people see Alexandria as what they need, but Rick sees the potential for disaster, and it drives him slowly over the edge. In “Try,” Rick loses his filter and tells Deanna and their group what is going to happen to them because they choose to ignore the things it takes to survive in this world. Rick’s rant, and Lincoln’s performance during it, is truthful, raw, and chilling. If you had any doubt about him being on this list, that performance should clear it up.

Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier

Like many of the other characters Carol has come a long way from the meek, abused-wife we met in Season 1. These days Carol is a force to be reckoned with that will do anything to save the people in her group, even if it means setting someone on fire. In Season 5, Carol proves that her allegiance is with Rick and the group, as she stockpiles some “just in case” weapons while in Alexandria. While the others adapt to new city life, Carol plays the game, acting like Susie-homemaker, but clearly never forgetting what she’s been through or what these people are. The transformations you see in Carol in “Forget” and “Spend” are some of the best of the season. When she threatens to kill a child it is both amazing and shocking at the same time. Likewise, seeing McBride flip from nice “welcome wagon” Carol to street-savvy, take no prisoners Carol is nothing short of amazing.