Nominees are pictured and listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.
Steve Buscemi as Marty, Portlandia (Celery)
Buscemi was nominated in this category in 2008 for a small guest spot on “30 Rock.” I’m pleased to report that this nominated is far more deserved since it gives him the opportunity to be at his best, perfectly embodying someone in charge of celery trying to figure out how to get back on top by properly marketing his product. It’s hard to describe just how well Steve inhabits Marty, and he makes this otherwise forgettable, strange character well worth remembering.
Louis C.K. as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Louis C.K.)
C.K. was nominated for hosting last year, and now he’s back for a second round that demonstrates that he’s really comfortable being around the rest of the cast and up for pretty much anything during the skits, not afraid to try new things and expand his repertoire. C.K. delivers a great extended opening monologue and then is very present in all the skits. I think he’ll win for “Louie” this year, and so I’m not sure he’ll win here, but I’d be happy if he did.
Gary Cole as Kent Davison, Veep (Crate)
I’m so thrilled that Cole is recognized here for a truly terrific and eternally sarcastic performance. I was so happy that he got nominated, and I’d love to see him win for the episode in which he conceives of the crate for Selina to stand on before delivering some life-changing news at the end of the episode. I’m enthusiastic about this show’s chances, and I think Cole might actually be able to win.
Jimmy Fallon as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live (Host: Jimmy Fallon)
Fallon was nominated for this hosting gig back in 2012 and ended up winning. Now, the actor is the host of The Tonight Show, which is a really big deal. He’s clearly comfortable hosting a show he used to be on, but he’s also visibly laughing during terrible impression of Jim Parsons while Justin Timberlake is doing an impression of him, which is difficult to unpack. I think it speaks to his popularity, and the fact that he’d probably win even if he didn’t do much in his guest spot. He’s not terrible, he’s just certainly not the best in this category.
Nathan Lane as Pepper Saltzman, Modern Family (The Wedding, Part 2)
This is Lane’s third nomination for this role and his second consecutive mention. In his submitted episode, Pepper deals with unforeseen developments during Cam and Mitchell’s weddings. His antics are familiar and expected, and while he’s somewhat entertaining, it’s hardly an award-worthy role. I doubt he’ll stand out in this bunch anyway.
Bob Newhart as Arthur Jeffries, The Big Bang Theory (The Proton Transmogrification)
Newhart won his first Emmy last year at the age of 84, and now he’s back after his character passes away and reappears to Sheldon as his Obi-Wan on Star Wars day. It’s a very funny, sentimental role, and I see no reason why he wouldn’t win again since it’s a genuinely entertaining and strong performance.
Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who will win (based on individual episodes): Buscemi or Cole, though C.K. and Newhart are great too
Who will win: I’d pick Newhart to edge out Fallon.
Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
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