Thursday, August 13, 2009

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the fourth 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 Actress in a Comedy Series


Last year’s nominees
: Christina Applegate, Dana Delany, Tina Fey, Natasha McElhone, Mary-Louise Parker

Emmy nominees: Christina Applegate, Toni Collette, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary-Louise Parker, Sarah Silverman

Semi-finalists: None – not enough good comedies on the air, and hardly enough female leads.

Finalists: Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) transplanted her business and got in way over her head for the umpteenth time. America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) tried to jump-start her career, and trudged through just as many obstacles as she’s faced before. Gabrielle Anwar (Burn Notice) contributed her fierce sense of vengeance to do-gooder ex-boyfriend Michael’s yearning to help people in need. Christina Applegate (Samantha Who) retrieved more of her memories and was almost as innocently charming as she was last year. Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies) is hardly the strongest member of the quirky dramedy’s ensemble, but her immutable charm is undeniable.

The nominees:

Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) carried her show with her unmatchable flair and attitude. Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) subtly revealed her attachment to Chuck through her commitment to her country, her service, and her team. Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) made the female version of Michael Scott so much more than just a carbon copy. Tina Fey (30 Rock) had zany adventures while trying to keep a handle on her wacky staff and out-of-control life. Natasha McElhone (Californication) proved she could dish out her own brand of smarminess as her true love Hank tried to keep his promiscuity in his pants.

Next up: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

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