Friday, September 22, 2017

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 11th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2016-2017 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 Ensemble in a Drama Series



Last year’s nominees: The Affair, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Jessica Jones, Narcos

Semi-finalists: 12 Monkeys, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Billions, Dark Matter, Good Behavior, House of Cards, Legends of Tomorrow, Longmire, Narcos, National Treasure, Rectify, The Affair, The Crown, The Flash, The Leftovers, The OA, This Is Us

Finalists: Stranger Things smartly showcased its children, full of such energy and wonder, and paired them with adults who definitely didn’t have a handle on their lives. Ray Donovan utilized its talented cast to typically excellent effect in its strong fourth season. Sense8 grew into itself largely by letting its actors take the spotlight and show off their abilities. Humans charted new territory with extremely interesting characters portrayed by an exceptional cast. Better Call Saul was more people-focused than ever, honing in on its small ensemble to tremendous effect.

The nominees:

Westworld created synthetic people incapable of controlling their own actions, and watching the actors on all sides portray that was nothing short of incredible. The Handmaid's Tale made its many personalities in a world supposedly devoid of individuality work superbly thanks to its featured talent. Sneaky Pete was enhanced greatly by actors utilized in very fitting roles. Goliath had more great performers that it knew what to do with, making nearly every scene and character interaction above-average.

The winner:

Legion never let up for a second, thanks in no small part to its astonishing cast, led by Dan Stevens but featuring so many important supporting members.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

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