AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 6th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2011-2012 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: Justin Chatwin, Matt Damon, Idris Elba, Lennie James, Michael Rosenbaum

Emmy nominees: Will Arnett, Bobby Cannavale, Jimmy Fallon, Michael J. Fox, Jon Hamm, Greg Kinnear

Semi-finalists: Alan Alda (The Big C), Stephen Tobolowsky (Californication), Christopher Abbott (Girls), Chris O'Dowd (Girls), Louis C.K. (Parks and Recreation), William Baldwin (30 Rock), Will Forte (30 Rock), Jon Hamm (30 Rock), James Marsden (30 Rock), Chris Parnell (30 Rock), Stanley Tucci (30 Rock), Dean Winters (30 Rock), Chris Klein (Wilfred)

Finalists: Hugh Dancy (The Big C) was full of heart, ably handling both humorous and serious situations. Michael J. Fox (Curb Your Enthusiasm) got a fun opportunity to play himself and give Larry a real rival with whom to contend. Griffin Dunne (House of Lies) created a compelling portrait of power and just what it’s like to be on top. Justin Long (New Girl) and Dermot Mulroney (New Girl) each had a blast playing ideal love interests for Jess.

The nominees:

Richard Schiff (House of Lies) channeled his funny side while staying serious and not letting the antics of his underlings amuse him. Victor Garber (The Big C) enhanced a silly role with a committed and hilarious performance. Matt Bomer (Glee) showed that he’s just as charismatic when he’s singing and dancing as he is when he cons art thieves. Paul Rudd (Parks and Recreation) played dumb extraordinarily well as a fittingly ignorant opponent for the unsinkable Leslie Knope.

The winner:

Greg Germann (House of Lies) oozed obnoxiousness and envy from his first appearance as the overzealous Greg Norbert.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series