My Emmy Wish List: Best Supporting Actor

OK, so the Primetime Emmy nominations are coming out on July 8th.  So I thought I would give my two cents on who I think should be nominated this year.  We're going to cover the Supporting Actor categories today.  Remember these are who I would like to see nominated not necessarily who I think will be nominated.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Adam Baldwin - 'Chuck' - For those of you who watch 'Chuck' this shouldn't come as a surprise.  Adam Baldwin's character of Casey is really the best character on the show.  Baldwin really comes through week after week with a very subtle and underrated comedic performance. 

Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, and Ed O'Neill - 'Modern Family' - I think this category will be 'Modern Family's' to lose, and it should be.  As Phil Dunphy, the uncool dad, Burrell delivers a gem of a performance every week.  Deadpan delivery and his restraint from making the character too over the top really deserve to be recognized.  Stonestreet's episode where he played Fizbo the clown, should alone get him nominated, and Ed O'Neil is finally getting props after brilliantly playing Al Bundy for so many years and not being noticed.  His turn as the patriarch of the family was truly one of the highlights of the 09-10 TV season. 


Chris Colfer - 'Glee' -  This is a tough one.  Simply because, Colfer's performance as Kurt, is a better fit for the drama category.  But since 'Glee' is being categorized as a comedy, this is where he will compete.  His portrayal of the gay glee club member, who has issues with his Dad really drove his storyline this season, was played so heartfelt and so touching, that he will be tough to ignore.  That being said, my guess is he doesn't get nominated, knowing how the academy does things.


Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Aaron Paul - 'Breaking Bad' -  Paul is probably the frontrunner in this category.  Last year he was basically an unknown on an virtually unknown cable show.  But this year the show has garnered lots of a attention and with it, so has he.   His nomination is a lock.

Terry O'Quinn,  Michael Emerson, and Nestor Carbonell - 'Lost' -   This really should be the year of 'Lost.'  Past winner, O'Quinn, was nothing short of mesmerizing this year on 'Lost' final season.  Whenever his character was on screen, you couldn't turn away.  But that's nothing new with O'Quinn.  From a show that conistently, in my opinion, boasts the best acting and writing on TV, he stands out as the best of the best.  Playing dual roles is tough for any actor, and O'Quinn made it look easy.  Michael Emerson's portrayal of Ben went from being utterly creepy in season past to being sympathetic and touching this season.  Carbonell wasn't really central to most of the final season of  'Lost,' but for one week, the show was all about him. That episode, "Ab Aeterno," was as generous an acting showcase as any supporting player this season got. He got to speak a foreign language, stare down death and totally carry one of the most anticipated and respected episodes of the 'Lost' season.


Martin Short - 'Damages' - Short threw aside his comedic persona, and took a heavy dramatic turn on 'Damages' this season.  The slimy lawyer he played was so memorable and so believable.  This should be an easy nod, even with the competition in the category.

Andre Braugher - 'Men of a Certain Age' - Braugher is a two time Emmy winner, for 'Homicide' and 'Thief,' but this role as an aging car salesman struggling to climb out of his father's shadow was brilliant.  This might be a tough one for the academy to remember since 'Men's' season ended a while ago, but the academy loves Braugher so hopefully they won't forget.  My guess is he also gets nominated for his guest spot on 'House.'


Next I'll cover Best Supporting Actress.