An interesting article here about how actors in newer TV shows very rarely get recognized by awards show immediately. This is what they have to say about Lost:
Another innovative new drama, Lost, has garnered top ratings and plenty of attention for its twisty, mystery-laden plot, but the series also serves as a showcase for its excellent ensemble cast. The show focuses on a diverse group of plane-crash survivors marooned on a desolate island, each with a fascinating personal back story. As recovering junkie rock star Charlie, Lord of the Rings hobbit Dominic Monaghan is note-perfect; the actor skillfully hints at Charlie's darker depths without sacrificing the character's natural charm. Equally impressive is Naveen Andrews as Sayid, a former member of the Iraqi Republican Guard; the actor captures the character's psychological torment with compelling grace.
But perhaps the two most astounding performances on the show are from an actor who hasn't even had much in the way of dialogue yet and a respected character performer who's finally getting his day in the sun. Yunjin Kim's Sun, like many of the other characters, was a cipher when the series first started--all we knew was that she is a seemingly submissive Korean wife. Still, Kim made her instantly likeable. Further revelations have come via pre-crash flashbacks, in which we see Sun attempting to leave controlling husband Jin (Daniel Dae Kim). Kim hardly has any lines in this particular scene, but every possible emotion is etched on her face in the space of only a few minutes: sadness, longing, hope. In the eyes of TV viewers, this was the moment that marked Kim as an actor to watch. Rounding out this quartet of standout performances is veteran character actor Terry O'Quinn's turn as would-be adventurer Locke, a man with a tragic past who seems to have adapted to life on the island with a little too much ease. In previous TV roles, O'Quinn has often been the charismatic guy scuttling around in the background; you know he's fascinating, you just don't know why. Here the actor has a meaty, possibly career-defining role that just keeps getting better. As far as getting recognized with nominations, Lost's chances are better than Veronica's: It's one of the most water-cooler discussion-worthy shows of the season. Still, given that it's an ensemble show with a buzz-generating setup and no Jennifer Garner-style breakout stars--at least not yet--Lost is more likely to get recognized in the Best Drama and writing categories; its deserving actors may have to wait another season.