Tuesday, September 3, 2013

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

This is the tenth 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 Guest Actress in a Drama Series


Last year’s nominees: Summer Glau, Carla Gugino, Maggie Lawson, Julia Ormond, Carrie Preston

Emmy nominees: Linda Cardellini, Joan Cusack, Jane Fonda, Margo Martindale, Carrie Preston, Diana Rigg

Semi-finalists: Summer Glau (Alphas), Sarah Clarke (Covert Affairs), Jenna Elfman (Damages), Janet McTeer (Damages), Kristin Chenoweth (The Good Wife), Martha Plimpton (The Good Wife), Alison Brie (Mad Men), Jane Fonda (The Newsroom), Kelen Coleman (The Newsroom), Amy Acker (Person of Interest)

Finalists: Carrie Preston (The Good Wife) got even more brilliantly zany as she found herself romantically pursued and, separately, ended up a defendant in a case. Julia Ormond (Mad Men) and Shirley MacLaine (Downton Abbey) both chewed scenery as mother-in-laws with distinct opinions they had no qualms sharing. Jess Weixler (The Good Wife) was an unexpectedly perfect foil to Kalinda – excitable, unsubtle, and just as smart and effective. Linda Cardellini (Mad Men) was unrecognizable and extremely convincing as Don’s latest ill-fated love interest.

The nominees:

Yvonne Strahovski (Dexter) was alluring as the first true romantic fit for Dexter. Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest) embodied a soldier mentality with diligence and conviction, and I’m thrilled that she’ll be returning as a series regular this coming year. Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad) was focused, jittery, and entirely compelling as the latest player in Walt’s dangerous web of illegal activities. Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones) matched wits with the Lannister men and almost came out ahead, standing out on a show full of distinguished performers.

The winner:

Meg Chambers Steedle (Boardwalk Empire) immediately looked and sounded the part as a starry-eyed actress who knew just how to capture Nucky’s heart and attention.

Next up: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

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