AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

This is the fifth 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 Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Jonathan Banks, Bobby Cannavale, David Morrisey, Mandy Patinkin, Ulrich Thomsen

Emmy nominees: Jim Carter, Josh Charles, Peter Dinklage, Mandy Patinkin, Aaron Paul, Jon Voight

Semi-finalists: Bruce Campbell (Burn Notice), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), Walton Goggins (Justified), John Slattery (Mad Men), Sam Waterston (The Newsroom), Sam Jaeger (Parenthood)

Finalists: Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee) became an increasingly complex villain as his town was infiltrated by far more vicious threats than him. Jeremy Allen White (Shameless) remained his family’s rock as he managed the various distractions that came at him in college. Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) had a small part in his show’s ensemble but stood out because of his character’s innate goodness hidden under a nervous exterior shell. Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) ensured that his character didn’t lose any of his uniqueness as he hit his hardest times yet and emerged an undeniable hero. Michael Scott Kelly (House of Cards) was just as instrumental in his boss’ ascent as in season one, but his personal life took center stage in a devastating way that it hadn’t before while he was busy cleaning up other people’s messes.

The nominees:

Josh Charles (The Good Wife) went from being a likeable player to the most vindictive aggressor possible, demonstrating just how much betrayal can drive a person to fierce competition. Jon Voight (Ray Donovan) played patriarch Mickey Donovan as more than just an aging mobster, infusing him with a sense of pride and personality. Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) ended up in his most unfortunate situation yet and his careful, clever words spoke just as loudly as his actions. Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) was noble and determined to the bitter end as his job took on a more serious and dangerous role than ever.

The winner:

Peter Sarsgaard (The Killing) subtly instilled his death row inmate with humanity, making him cold and prickly to the touch but more complicated and kindhearted underneath.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series