Thursday, October 9, 2014

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 8th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2013-2014 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: Jake Johnson, Matt LeBlanc, William H. Macy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood

Emmy nominees: Don Cheadle, Louis C.K., Ricky Gervais, Matt LeBlanc, Jim Parsons, William H. Macy

Semi-finalists: David Duchovny (Californication)

Finalists: Elijah Wood (Wilfred) descended deeper and deeper into the darkness of his show. Jake Johnson (New Girl) had a blast showing his sensitive side as he embarked on a new and unsuccessful chapter of his life. Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Welcome to the Family) and Mike O'Malley (Welcome to the Family) had fun as immature rivals in this short-lived comedy. Don Cheadle (House of Lies) continued to be self-destructive and let his ego get the best of him as his solo venture didn’t quite produce the results he had expected.

The nominees:

Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) managed to become even more insensitive and oblivious, and it was a treat to watch. Stephen Merchant (Hello Ladies) did his best impersonation of a British blockhead eternally committed to saying the wrong thing in this one-season comedy. Chris O'Dowd (Family Tree) guided the tone of his off-kilter series with his spot-on narration and token awkwardness. Danny McBride (Eastbound and Down) went out with style, leaving his mark on the world in gloriously unashamed Kenny Powers fashion.

The winner:

Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) searched for his place in government and managed to find the perfect balance, operating behind the scenes and bumbling his way through every sarcastic personal interaction.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

No comments: