AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

This is the twelfth category of the 1st Annual AFT Television Awards to be announced. Episodes listed in parantheses for actors and shows indicate a great sample of their work, however I look at the entire season when choosing my nominees and winners. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

MICHAEL C. HALL AS DEXTER, DEXTER (Shrink Wrap)
As a forensic expert who moonlights as a serial killer of criminals who escape legal justice, Hall did a 180-degree reversal from his starring role as gay funeral home director David on "Six Feet Under" and was just as good. The look on Hall's face most of the time is the most priceless of all. "Shrink Wrap" is just one of the excellent showcases of Hall's performance.

DENIS LEARY AS TOMMY, RESCUE ME (Hell)
I have mentioned sardonic performances before, but there is really no comparison to Leary's Tommy Gavin. His troubled firefighter gets to deal with a whole new set of problems this year, especially on "crazy chick calling day", where he demonstrates some great chemistry with Marisa Tomei, Andrea Roth, Tatum O'Neal, Callie Thorne, and Paige Turco (Mrs. Turbody) - all in one episode. Bonus points for his scenes with John Scurti (Lou) and Dean Winters (Johnny). And that lunge at his brother in the second episode contained some of the most subtle yet defined acting I have ever seen.

EDDIE IZZARD AS WAYNE, THE RICHES (Pilot)
From his very first moment in the pilot, Izzard lights up the screen with his awe-inspiring portrayal of former traveler-turned-fake lawyer Wayne Malloy. His chemistry with Minnie Driver is fascinating, and it is truly incredible the amount of emotion he easily infuses into every minute of his performance. Even in the episode where he goes on a drug binge, Izzard remains constant in his dedication to the role.

MICHAEL CHIKLIS AS VIC, THE SHIELD (Chasing Ghosts)
Chiklis has been unflinching in his terrific performance for the entire run of "The Shield", and he was just as good this past year. Changing his opinion towards former best friend Shane, Chiklis continues to make Vic fascinating and furious at the same time. His constantly shifting allegiances give him the opportunity to alternaly boost and shoot down Mackey's ego.

JAMES GANDOLFINI AS TONY, THE SOPRANOS (Soprano Home Movies)
In an uneven season of "The Sopranos", Gandolfini was consistently spectacular. His best moments come not necessarily when he is speaking with a large group, but rather intimately discussing a personal matter, whether it is fighting with Steven Schirripa in the season premiere or getting high with Sarah Shahi in the middle of the season. Gandolfini enables Tony Soprano to go down as one of the greatest characters in history with a great send-off performance for the character, regardless of the show's actual finale.

And the winner is...
EDDIE IZZARD, THE RICHES

Next: Best Writing in a Comedy Series