AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 5th 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 Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Peter Gallagher, Rob Lowe, Brandon Routh, Michael Sheen

Emmy nominees: Will Arnett, Matt Damon, Idris Elba, Zach Galifianakis, Nathan Lane, Justin Timberlake

Semi-finalists: William Devane (Psych), Cary Elwes (Psych), Will Forte (30 Rock), Victor Garber (30 Rock), Brian Austin Green (Desperate Housewives), Ken Howard (30 Rock), Liam Neeson (The Big C), Reid Scott (The Big C), >John Slattery (30 Rock), John Stamos (Glee), Carl Weathers (Psych), Dean Winters (30 Rock)

Finalists: Nestor Carbonell (Psych) had fun playing serious and giving Shawn a true professional and romantic rival. Cheyenne Jackson (Glee) didn’t have much of a chance to shine, but his vindictive glee club director was energetic and hilarious. Darren Criss (Glee) stole the show away from all the other Warblers and New Directions kids within moments of his first appearance, playing a truly angelic and sympathetic teenager. James Spader (The Office) did his own thing in the season finale, and his soul-destroying character turned out to be just the right fit for the show. Will Ferrell (The Office) meshed well enough with the other people in the office, playing clueless with a good mix of stubborn and creating a fine temporary replacement for Michael.

The nominees:

Justin Chatwin (Shameless) played a professional liar with grace and honesty, creating one of the most fascinating characters on a show full of fascinating characters. Matt Damon (30 Rock) did a spectacular send-up of a flight attendant caught up in his job and made the most of his few appearances. Idris Elba (The Big C) was a distraction from Cathy’s pain but proved to be far more memorable and righteous than he needed to be. Lennie James (Hung) served as counsel for Tanya but added far ore to the show with his sarcastic demeanor.

The winner:

Michael Rosenbaum (Breaking In) demonstrated that he can be incredibly funny with his first notable role since Lex Luthor and helped to liven up an otherwise unexciting show.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series