Friday, June 30, 2017

My Picks for This Year's Emmys :Best Supporting ACtress, Comedy

They've managed to expand this category more than a couple of times the last few years, but I'm going to try to stay within the limitations of the rules. If there is a seventh nominee, I hope it goes to someone like Mayim Bialik or Carrie Brownstein who have been tragically overlooked. But there are a lot of contenders, and I may break some of my own rules in considering them.

Kathryn Hahn, Transparent
There have been a surplus of brilliant nominees in this category, and one could just as easily give  a nod to Judith Light or Amy Landecker. But by far the most compelling actress in this category is Hahn's portrayal of Raquel, the rabbi who has been going on a far more personal journey than any of the other Pfefferman's this season. There's a real possibility she might also contend in the Best Actress category for a different Jill Soloway series. But I really hope Emmy voters take a long look at her work here.

Gaby Hoffman, Transparent
As the youngest and in many ways the most aimless of the Pfefferman clan, Hoffman has made some of the most memorable stints as she tries to find professional and personal growth. The fact that she keeps getting lost is mostly her own doing, but it is also by far the most entertaining of the group. I've been a fan of Hoffman far longer than I can remember, and she more than deserves to be considered.

Allison Janney, Mom
Will this be the year that one or perhaps two comediennes break the long time record for most Emmys won by a performer? Of the two, the far more endearing, as is almost always the case was watching Bonnie continue to make - even for her - growth, even as her family continues to struggle, surprising even her. And the episode where she began to deal with the death of her mother, a woman who did far more to set her on her path, reminded me just how gifted Janney is.

Jane Krakowski, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
For reasons, which somehow elude me, Krakowski's brilliant work in a sterling cast was overlooked by the Emmys last year. She's been one of the most outstanding performers in television for nearly two decades, and it's strange that the Critics Choice recognized her but the Emmys didn't. Admittedly, its a narrower path, but I think she'll sneak in this time.

Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Yes, I'm breaking my own rule. For over a decade, I've been pissed off at the Emmys for recognizing sketch comedy - particularly from SNL  - in Supporting categories that could go to other winners. But to say Amy Schumer and Key & Peele the last two years and denying SNL - which had one of the most successful seasons in its history this year - would smack of hypocrisy. Add to this the fact that McKinnon prevailed last year in this category and took the Best Actress prize from the Critics Choice, and the fact that she is by far the most omnipresent comedienne, means that I would be foolish to deny her presence in this category this year. But don't make a habit of it.

Eden Sher, The Middle

This is my fringe pick, but come on. She's been the most upbeat and ridiculously optimistic children on a family mired in debt. That she's managed to get as far as she has seems to be related more to personal pushing rather than anything else. Can't the Emmya just say "What the Heck" for this brilliant actress. She's already won twice from the Critics Choice. She deserves it far more than someone like Anna Chlumsky, for crying out loud.

No comments:

Post a Comment