My (faux) Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Alison Brie: Beautiful? Check. Hilarious? Check. Emmy worthy? You bet.

With the Emmy nominations being announced Thursday I thought I’d give my thoughts on who/what should be nominated in the major categories. Considering I watch more television than the majority of Emmy voters (who in their defense are busy making television) I’m actually more qualified than they are to decide who/what is deserving of recognition. For example they gave “The Wire,” considered by most critics one of the two best dramas of all time (“The Sopranos” being the other), only two nominations (& zero wins) in 5 seasons. That would never have happened had I been in charge.

Our first category will be Supporting Actress in a Comedy (For a look at a professional’s thoughts go here, & for my picks last year click here). Out of all the female categories this was the hardest to narrow down for while they’re may be a general lack of good lead roles for women comedically, be it on television or in film, there are a number of fine roles out there for women in complimentary roles & the women filling them are more than up to the task of making us all laugh (click on their names to see one of their highlights from this season).

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy

As previously mentioned the Joeys feature 6 nominees (nominees also up for the Emmy are italicized) & I will also predict the winner of each category for the Emmys. Without further ado...

Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy, "Modern Family")-some people have criticized Burrell's Phil Dunphy as Michael Scott as a father, my response-what's wrong with that? Michael Scott is hilarious & so is Phil Dunphy, though to be fair as childish as Phil is he has a slightly better grip on reality than Michael & he's never nearly as offensive. & that's why Burrell get's major points from me, he's not allowed to be quite as unhinged as Steve Carell yet he manages to draw just as many laughs.

Glen Howerton (Dennis, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia")-Charlie Day as Charlie generally gets the most credit for the many laughs on Always Sunny, however, as much as I love Charlie, I find Howerton's mildly more intelligent Dennis to be the best of the show's ensemble. His character's self-centeredness, and belief that he's far more intelligent than he is (due to the stupidity of those around him) never fails to make me laugh. He also gets a boost for reminding me of my good friend Jamie Becwar.

Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson, "Parks & Recreation") -Offerman's Ron Swanson is one of the great comedic creations of the last few years. He is extremely prejudiced of government, despite being the head of the Pawnee, Indiana Parks & Rec department. He's had 2 failed marriages with women named Tammy, & yes, his mother's name was Tammy. Of course all of that is just good writing, but Offerman only enhances the character with his brilliant mustache, slapstick talent, odd talents, & ability to convey Ron's overwhelming hatred for human interaction.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Like the Emmys the Joeys feature 6 nominees (nominees also up for the Emmy are italicized) & I will also predict the winner of each category for the Emmys. Without further ado...

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy:

Alison Brie (Annie, "Community")-Brie more than held her own comedically against the rest of the hilarious cast, especially when Annie sprayed herself in the eyes with pepper spray. In addition her chemistry with Joel McHale allowed for a fantastic season finale cliff hanger.

Jenna Fischer (Pam, "The Office")-This was definitely the weakest season of "The Office", but of all the lead actors Fischer was the one who best acquitted herself throughout the season. She was at her best showing Pam's insecurities about the wedding & becoming a mother, as well as frustration & anger at Michael for first dating & then breaking up with her mother. Not to mention as long as "The Office" is on Fischer's getting one of my nominations.

Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester, "Glee")-"Glee" had an up & down season (up for most of the first half, down after returning in April), but Lynch's Sylvester was always hilarious. She gave a needed break from the sometimes overbearing melodrama with uproariously inappropriate comments the best of which addressed the great deal of hair product in Mr. Schuester's hair. Lynch also was fantastic in her few dramatic moments involving Sue's mentally challenged sister.