AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 3rd Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Alec Baldwin, Steve Carrell, Jemaine Clement, David Duchovny, Tony Shalhoub

Emmy nominees: Alec Baldwin, Steve Carrell, Jemaine Clement, Jim Parsons, Tony Shalhoub, Charlie Sheen

Semi-finalists: Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) continued baking pies and bringing dead people back to life, though he was less delightfully entertaining than his supporting cast members.

Finalists: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) wasn’t as front-and-center this year, but his performance was still nutty and entirely hilarious. David Duchovny (Californication) worked with a famed musician and got closer to his family as he gave a less promiscuous lifestyle his best shot. Tony Shalhoub (Monk) solved more cases with the help of his unique personality. Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) rocked the party as their band’s future went down the toilet.

The nominees:

Zachary Levi (Chuck) combined his outer geek and inner spy and proved that Chuck is the coolest Nerd Herd employee around. James Roday (Psych) spun more preposterous tales but kept his crime-solving rate high. Steve Carrell (The Office) embarked on his own business venture and proved that, stupidity aside, he’s more than worth his salt. Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice) donned hilarious fake accents and impressive cover identities to help people in need while working to get his old life back. Danny McBride (Eastbound and Down) made a dumb former pro pitcher look like the smartest guy in the room at his new job as a high school gym teacher.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series