AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 4th 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: Steve Carell, Jeffrey Donovan, Zachary Levi, Danny McBride, James Roday

Emmy nominees: Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Larry David, Matthew Morrison, Jim Parsons, Tony Shalhoub

Semi-finalists: Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Tim DeKay (White Collar), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death)

Finalists: Tony Shalhoub (Monk) kept the obsessive-compulsive detective endearing as he closed the last of his open cases. Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice) remained hilariously sarcastic as he took on yet another mysterious enemy. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) spewed typical ridiculousness as he went crazy for two women at the same time. Cory Monteith (Glee) makes dumb look so blissful as the musically talented but intellectually inept Finn Hudson. Matthew Bomer (White Collar) found a perfect role for his distinctive charm and charisma in art thief and forger extraordinaire Neal Caffrey.

The nominees:

David Duchovny (Californication) juggled three relationships as he embarked on an entertaining teaching job. Zachary Levi (Chuck) handled his new abilities with expected reserve and heart. James Roday (Psych) kept Shawn remarkably relaxed and aloof even as he encountered deadly enemies. Steve Carell (The Office) dealt with Dundler-Mifflin’s new form as clumsily and awkwardly as ever.

The winner:

Thomas Jane (Hung) created a compelling character from a down-on-his-luck teacher whose second job was to provide others with fulfillment, even if he wasn’t fulfilling himself.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series