AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth 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 Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Justine Bateman, Rachel Leigh Cook, Jane Lynch, Meredith Monroe, Amy Ryan

Emmy nominees: Christine Baranski, Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Kathryn Joosten, Jane Lynch, Elaine Stritch, Betty White

Semi-finalists: Kristen Bell (Party Down), Rachel Leigh Cook (Psych), Angie Harmon (Chuck), Jane Lynch (Party Down), Virginia Madsen (Monk), Jessica Walter (Gravity)

Finalists: Joanna Bobin (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) was a whole lot of fun as she came dangerously close to finding out about her sister’s double life and moved in too closely on her best friend. It was great to see Bitty Schram (Monk) return as Sharona one last time before the show ended, and she played remarkably well with her replacement. Margo Martindale (Hung) crafted a moving, dramatic client for Ray to truly connect with in a way that he hadn’t done before. Kathy Bates (The Office) was bold, headstrong, and a great dose of corporate intimidation for Dunder Mifflin Scranton. Kathleen Turner (Californication) stole the show with her incomparable turn as the incomparable and unstoppable Sue Collini.

The nominees:

Eva Amurri (Californication) and Embeth Davidtz (Californication) were both marvelous conquests for Hank and did a great job of tempting him and submitting to him in different ways. Kristin Chenoweth (Glee) was perky and perfect as a washed-up wannabe star always eager to croon a new tune. Kristin Kreuk (Chuck) gave Chuck a lovely Lana Lang to lust after and ultimately lose for the same reasons Clark lost her: he couldn’t reveal his true identity.

The winner:

Diane Farr (Californication) was the most memorable of Hank’s affairs this season, and her initial resistance to the idea of being him made her eventual succumbing to his charm all the more immensely interesting.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series