AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the seventh category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. 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 Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Aziz Ansari, Gary Cole, Kevin Dunn, Nick Offerman, Christopher Evan Welch

Emmy nominees: Andre Braugher, Titus Burgess, Ty Burrell, Adam Driver, Tony Hale, Keegan Michael-Key

Semi-finalists: Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation), Baron Vaughn (Grace and Frankie), Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation), Ethan Cutosky (Shameless), Jay Duplass (Transparent), Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Martin Starr (Silicon Valley), Matt Walsh (Veep), Reid Scott (Veep), Stephen Mangan (Episodes), T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley), Timothy Simons (Veep), Titus Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Tony Hale (Veep), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Zach Woods (Silicon Valley)

Finalists: Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin) turned a character who should have been a waste of space into a good-natured, flawed reformed playboy who ended up being one of the best aspects of his show. Bradley Whitford (Happyish) was full of fiery frustrated passion in a role that should have lasted longer. Steve Zissis (Togetherness) made an over-the-top personality bearable and endearing, toning him down whenever needed and letting him run wild the rest of the time. Gary Cole (Veep) was on call to point out the absurdity of everything around him, his voice permanently set at a sarcastic barometer. Timothy Omundson (Galavant) was silly and wild as a ridiculous king, having a blast and making the most of his wacky show.

The nominees:

James Nesbitt (Babylon) was stoic, poised, and permanently infuriated as a police commissioner with no patience for stupidity or obstacles. Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) was the definition of egomania, almost as effervescent about his new family as he was about himself. Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) turned up for one final character arc that gave Ron the perfect ending and a hilarious battle on the way to it. Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie) stood out in his cast as an unhinged but sweet addict trying to get his life back together with the utmost energy.

The winner:

Sam Richardson (Veep) was always at the ready to say the wrong thing in the most oblivious, enthusiastic tone, meaning well but never having a clue about time and place.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series