AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third 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 Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Steve Carell, Thomas Jane, William H. Macy, Ed O’Neill, Jason Schwartzman

Emmy nominees: Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., Don Cheadle, Jon Cryer, Larry David, Jim Parsons

Semi-finalists: Zachary Levi (Chuck), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Thomas Jane (Hung), James Roday (Psych), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory), Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Matthew Bomer (White Collar), Tim DeKay (White Collar )

Finalists: Elijah Wood (Wilfred) did deadpan better than anyone this year, playing the most pitiable sad sack on TV. Gabriel Macht (Suits) was impeccably full of himself, earning that right by his impressive conduct in and out of the coutroom. David Duchovny (Californication) got himself into a whole new mess and continued to saunter through his many misdeeds. William H. Macy (Shameless) became less central to his show’s story but still performed despicable acts with remarkable disregard of their consequences. Warwick Davis (Life's Too Short) played his material extremely well, creating a highly obnoxious yet somehow likeable parody version of himself.

The nominees:

Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) was more prominent and just as awkward and adorable as ever in his new role. Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death) made questionable decisions and little progress in the final season of the show defined by his offbeat antics. Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down) made his return to the USA as glorified and politically incorrect as possible. Geoff Sults (The Finder) was delightfully strange and fully watchable on this sadly short-lived show.

The winner:

Don Cheadle (House of Lies) earned his keep by adding considerable depth to a highly comic role defined by his strong determination to win and his deeply self-destructive nature.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series