No disrespect meant to perennial faves, but the increasing predictability of the outstanding acting Emmy nominations has lent the annual awards show a sense of repetition.

Oh, cool, Bryan Cranston. Neat, Claire Danes. Yes, hello again, Dame Maggie Smith.

And while those nominations would definitely be warranted again this year, it's time to inject a much needed sense of surprise into the Aug. 25 proceedings by honoring these 31 deserving first-time nominees, presented below in alphabetical order: