Article first published as The TV Czar's Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series on Technorati.
For some crazy reason, the Academy refuses to give me an Emmy ballot. Seems preposterous to me, but I suppose I have to accept their decision. Since they won't let me have my say, I've decided to submit my personal Emmy ballots via Technorati. The series will cover my ballots for the major Emmy awards leading up to the actual nominations on July 19.
Ty Burrell- I've never been the biggest Phil Dunphy fan, but what he did this year was worthy of a nomination. In a season that was creatively poor for Modern Family, Burrell was often asked to carry the day with his dopey sincerity. Much to my surprise, he really delivered. He had his typical funny moments, but he also handled the emotional beats really well when going through different crises with two daughters. In a subpar season, Phil Dunphy was the emotional center of the show. Then again, moments like this one will never hurt your Emmy chances.
Nick Offerman- The fact that the Academy has yet to honor the man that plays Ron Swanson is a complete travesty. Parks and Recreation is no virgin when it comes to the nomination process, so it does not compute that there hasn't been any Emmy love for Offerman. This problem needs to be rectified ASAP. It was another sterling season for Offerman filled with hilarious moments throughout. From stories of his childhood work in the tannery to his fundraising prowess, Ron Swanson never failed to disappoint.
Max Greenfield- When New Girl started its run, it was all about Zooey Deschanel. She was expected to carry a cast of nobodies to stardom. Something funny happened along the way: Some of the supporting characters started to add more to the show. No one put in more than Max Greenfield as Schmidt. He was exceptional the entire way through the season. His relationship with CeCe was particularly inspired work. He took a show that was supposed to be a star vehicle for Deschanel and made it into more of an ensemble piece. He deserves to be rewarded for it.
Adam Driver- Most of the characters in this category are established commodities, Driver came out of nowhere on Girls to make a huge splash. His portrayal of the phenomenally weird, but ultimately good-hearted, Adam was really well done. Dunham's writing of the character was fabulous, but you have to have someone to execute the gameplan. Driver took an already impressive show and made much better than it probably should have been.
Chris Pratt- Here's yet another supporting character on Parks and Recreation that deserves some Emmy consideration. His brand of foolishness is always upbeat, but never falls short of being hilarious. His most famous moment of the season was probably his work in acting out major movies for campaign donors of Leslie's. However, his manic style produced several other works of comedy art. They are just far too numerous to list.
Ed O'Neil- Many other people were probably worthy of this final spot, but I think that O'Neil deserves it for being the mature center of an increasingly juvenile show. He's usually good for a couple of one-liners an episode, but it's often his more serious work that grabs my attention. He may never win this award, but he deserves a top six recognition.
Who are your picks?
