In retrospect it
might have been better for me to lead with the comedies when it came to the Critics
Choice, not merely because I am far more satisfied with the nominees in almost
every category, but because in their nominations they are not only superior to
the Emmys but also in some ways better than the HCA. The latter is by far a higher
bar to cross, but when I relate the nominees I think some people might very
well understand why I think this.
BEST COMEDY
SERIES
First off, let’s
recognize what the Critics Choice got right that the HCA didn’t. They nominated
Reservation Dogs for Best Comedy. Indeed, the series is one of the most
nominated shows of the group with four. They also did not nominate Ted
Lasso for Best Comedy, something the HCA went into some excess for by
comparison.
The four series
that all three groups are in allegiance on are among the best of the past year:
Abbott Elementary, Barry, The Bear and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, though
in the case of The Bear the TCA is recognizing its second season. There
is also love for eternal favorite (pun not intended) for What We Do In The
Shadows and new series Poker Face and Shrinking, both of
which more than deserve to be here. Only Murders in the Building is the
most notable absence but it wasn’t entirely ignored. This is a very good group.
BEST ACTOR IN A
COMEDY SERIES
Jeremy Allan
White and Bill Hader I think we can all agree gave among the best performances
of the year. (I expect both men to win in the HCA.) Jason Sudeikis isn’t here
but D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is for Reservation Dogs. No argument. Steve
Martin gets his fair share from the TCA. Kayvan Novak has been a favorite from
the Critics Choice in the past.
I might question
the decision to put Drew Tarver for The Other Two over Martin Short or
Jason Segel, but that show is the definition of a critics favorite. No real
problem.
BEST ACTRESS IN
A COMEDY SERIES
Reason number two
the Critics Choice has the advantage over the HCA. They are the only major
group to nominate Bridget Everett for her dazzling work in Somebody Somewhere.
I can always hope that she pulls out an upset, but it’s a tough field.
I doubt anyone
would question the validity of four of the five nominees in this group. Certainly not Rachel Brosnahan, Natasha
Lyonne, Quinta Brunson and making her debut in the lead category Ayo Edebiri from
The Bear. I am beyond thrilled
that Devery Jacobs was nominated for Reservation Dogs. This is not only
the most diverse group of nominees among the comedies but features some of the
best performances all year. It’s going to be hard to pick a winner.
BEST SUPPORTING
ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Reason number three
the Critics’ Choice has it over the HCA this year: they saw the wisdom in
nominating Harrison Ford for his incredible work in Shrinking. He is not
only the sentimental favorite but by a considerable margin the best candidate
in a very strong field.
Henry Winkler,
who has won in this category twice before for his incredible work in Barry, is
back for the final season. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who is revelation is back to.
James Marsden more than earned his shot for his work in Jury Duty. Harvey
Guillen deserves to be here for What We Do In The Shadows.
If I have a nit
to pick, it is the presence of Phil Dunster. Even people who did not like the final season
of Ted Lasso admit his work as Jamie was remarkable in this season. I’m
just disappointed that he’s here and Tyler James Williams or Chris Perfetti aren’t
here for Abbott Elementary.
BEST SUPPORTING
ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
I take it back:
this category is more diverse than the Best Actress in a comedy series as well
as having some brilliant performers. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James are
back in the hunt for their work in Abbott Elementary. The wondrous Paulina Alexis is also in the
hunt for her work in Reservation Dogs. Alex Borstein returns for the
final season of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and given how many people loved
her work in the third season of Only Murders in the Building, should we
be shocked to see Meryl Streep in the category? I imagine poor Jessica Williams
might look at this category and wonder what she’s doing here; I assure you
Jessica, you more than deserve to be here and you kind of deserve to win. Best
of all, no one from Ted Lasso to muddy up the waters.
All in all, this
entire grouping represents everything the Critics Choice awards do well. I have
almost no complaints at all.
Tomorrow I will
wrap things of with my notes on the nominees in Best Limited Series and TV
Movie, which if anything have a great mix of both this year and the next as
well as missing some gems that every other awards show seemed to drop the ball
on.
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