Monday, Hugh Jackman hosted part one of the inaugural TV Czar Awards. It worked out so well, we decided to bring him back for part two. If you missed Monday, I laid out my picks for supporting actors and actresses in the comedy and drama categories as well as my pick for best comedy. Today, we tackle the leads. Though there has been the usual terribleness that accompanies every TV season (I’m most definitely looking at you, Work It), there has been some outstanding performances that deserved to be recognized by the committee (of one). In addition, we will hand out the award for best drama of 2011. Let’s get to the awards. As an added gimmick this week, we are going to throw in some presenters for each award as well.
The Presenters: Betty White and Baby Lily from Modern Family
The nominees: Zooey Deschanel (of course), Tina Fey, Whitney CummingsJane Levy, Christina Applegate
I’ll admit to tossing Applegate in there because I love her so. Still, she is pretty good on Up All Night. Unfortunately, it’s a poorly written show. Jane Levy has been a revelation on Suburgatory and emerged as a real threat for the America’s Sweetheart title (currently held by Emma Stone), Tina Fey produced more solid work this year, but it’s tough to imagine anyone having a better year than Zooey Deschanel. Her show hasn’t come without its headaches, but she launched a very successful show practically by herself. That has to count for something.
Winner: Zooey Deschanel (and America)
The presenter: Louis C.K. (You’ll see why in a second)
The nominees: Louis C.K., Alec Baldwin, David Duchovny, Jeremy Sisto
Alec Baldwin has done his usual professional job of making me laugh every week. That being said, I’m a little worried that he thinks he really is Jack Donaghy at this point. David Duchovny challenges my sensibilities every time he is on my TV screen, but he always makes me laugh while he does it. Jeremy Sisto has been a surprisingly enjoyable part of Suburgatory. I guess I have too many memories of him as Creepy Brother on Six Feet Under. Those guys have all been solid, but Louis C.K. deserves to give the award to himself since he does everything else for a really well done show.
The winner: Louis C.K.
The presenters: Edie Falco and Laura Linney (That’s right ladies, I am on to you. Your shows aren’t really comedies; they are half-hour dramas.)
The nominees: Claire Danes
What’s the point in listing other nominees? How do you do any better than that? Doesn’t Danes’ season on Homeland stack up in the all-time rankings? Why can’t I stop asking rhetorical questions?
The winner: Claire Danes
The presenters: Dennis Franz and James Gandolfini (two all-time greats)
The nominees: Bryan Cranston, Damian Lewis, Michael Pitt, Timothy Olyphant
I love Steve Buscemi, but the fact that he got the Golden Globe nomination instead of Michael Pitt is a sham. Pitt was the lead on that show this season and was outstanding doing it. Damian Lewis may have put on one of the better single episode performances of all-time in the final episode of Homeland‘s first season. I still cannot pass judgment on Cranston’s work in season four of Breaking Bad, but he should have a spot here until the show ends. However, there has to be some reward for being the star of a show that put together one of the better start to finish seasons I have ever seen. That’s what Justified did last year. Therefore, the ever cranky Timothy Olyphant is your winner.
The winner: Timothy Olyphant
The presenter: Jon Hamm (We had to get him in the show somehow.)
The nominees: Breaking Bad, Homeland, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones
Interesting that there is nary a network drama nominated. In any event, Boardwalk Empire closed strong, but had an up and down beginning to their season. Homeland served up one of the better freshman drama seasons in recent memory. Breaking Bad just kept plugging along as one of the better dramas on TV. Still, none of them approached the level of Game of Thrones.
The degree of difficulty involved with Game of Thrones is staggering. Between interweaving all of the characters, getting the setting right, and remaining true to the novels while not being a slave to them, Game of Thrones had a lot of ways to screw up the show. Instead, they absolutely crushed it. It was a masterfully constructed that made you gasp, laugh, and put you on the edge of your seat. Great work all around. In a year without Mad Men, they deserve this award.
The winner: Game of Thrones
That’s a wrap for the first edition of the TV Czar Awards. I want to thank our host, Hugh Jackman and all of our presenters. Now, it’s your turn. What did you guys think of the awards? Sound off in the comments or come find me on Twitter.
Please make sure to read our comment policy before posting a comment.