The Golden Derby continues to roll out the Emmy semi-finalist lists that the Academy supposedly tries to keep secret. Today it's the lists for best actor in a comedy and best supporting actress in a comedy/comedy.
As usual, I'll boldface the ones I think are going to get one of the five nominations in each category, and make a few snarky comments in italics.
BEST LEAD COMEDY ACTOR
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"- Mandatory, and the funniest on the list, including Carell.
Steve Carell, "The Office"- Mandatory.
Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"- If he was any different off-camera, but...is this really acting?
David Duchovny, "Californication" - Loved the pilot but this show just seems like it does the same thing every week.
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies" - A likely nominee, but not overtly funny enough to win this category.
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk" - Nominated the last five years, won three. Give someone else a chance.
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men" - He's really funny. But will Hollywood vote for an old-school sitcom performance like this? And will his ugly divorce life turn voters off?
The blog only has seven of the 10 actors. Who else will fill out the category? My guesses: Zach Braff of "Scrubs," Jason Lee of "My Name Is Earl," and a surprise, Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory." But who gets the fifth nom? I have not a clue. Lot of buzz about Parsons, though.
The Golden Derby notes that last year's winner, Jaime Pressly of "My Name Is Earl," did not make the list.
BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS
Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies" - This show is a dark horse; Chenowith could be its one winner.
Conchata Ferrell, "Two and a Half Men" - Another very funny performance on a traditional sitcom, but my guess is Holland Taylor gets a nomination first.
Jenna Fischer, "The Office" - Mandatory. But was her performance too natural and subtle for a comedy category?
Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock" - Not my favorite person on "30 Rock."
Judith Light, "Ugly Betty"- Really?
Elizabeth Perkins, "Weeds"- Masterful, never more so than when her character is losing everything.
Amy Poehler, "Saturday Night Live"- I liked 'SNL' better in the variety category. Sorry. But sketches are different.
Jean Smart, "Samantha Who?" - Everybody loves her. The show, not so much.
Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men" - Popular, has worked with everyone. Oh, and really funny.
Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty"- Too good at being bad?
