Friday, August 30, 2013

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 7th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2012-2013 seasons. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Don Cheadle, Danny McBride, Jason Schwarzman, Adam Scott, Geoff Stults

Emmy nominees: Alec Baldwin, Jason Bateman, Don Cheadle, Louis C.K., Matt LeBlanc, Jim Parsons

Semi-finalists: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Finalists: Don Cheadle (House of Lies) blazed a very self-destructive path on the way to greater success. Nat Faxon (Ben and Kate) was idiotic and charming, and a fun lead for an all-too-short-lived show. David Duchovny (Californication) was typically irresistible as he finally tried to clean up his act but couldn’t really change. Michael Ealy (Common Law) and Warren Kole (Common Law) were infinitely entertaining as mismatched partners with a penchant for irritating each other.

The nominees:

Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) was funny but truly shone in his unexpectedly serious moments related to his body image. Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) played campaign manager to Leslie’s candidate, and the role suited his dorky nature well. Jake Johnson (New Girl) took on a more prominent role on his show and made for the perfect awkward romantic. Elijah Wood (Wilfred) moved in sync with his show’s foreboding shifts towards darker territory.

The winner:

William H. Macy (Shameless) epitomized his show’s disregard for dignity or any sense of morality, and his character was easily the show’s most hilarious and watchable element.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

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