Slide #5

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominees (Actors)
  • Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock," NBC
  • Louis C.K., "Louie," FX
  • Don Cheadle, "House of Lies," Showtime
  • Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men," CBS
  • Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," HBO
  • Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory," CBS

Will Win: Inexplicably, Emmy voters love Jim Parsons for the work he does on "The Big Bang Theory." I tried watching an episode and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed for everyone involved (especially the people who choose to watch that show instead of "Community").

Should Win: Two-time winner Alec Baldwin continues to do strong work on "30 Rock" and Larry David submitted the aforementioned "Palestinian Chicken" episode, but I'd really like to see Louis C.K. receive some recognition for his role as writer/director/producer/star of "Louie" and this category would be a nice place for the Academy to start.

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Comedy Series
Nominees (Actress)
  • Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl," FOX
  • Lena Dunham, "Girls," HBO
  • Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie," Showtime
  • Tina Fey, "30 Rock," NBC
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep," HBO
  • Melissa McCarthy, "Mike and Molly," CBS
  • Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation," NBC

Will Win: After the presentation of last year's award turned into a beauty pageant, it was hard to believe that the competition could grow even more fierce, but now surprise winner Melissa McCarthy finds herself defending her crown against a tough mix of familiar faces and newcomers to the category. The widely-respected Poehler (also nominated for writing an episode of her show) looks like she's finally due for a major award.

Should Win: I'm not ashamed to admit that more than one episode of "Parks and Recreation" made me cry this year. Taking nothing away from Julia Louis-Dreyfus or Lena Dunham, it'll be a shame if Amy Poehler doesn't win.

Jim Parsons [via], Amy Poehler [via]
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