Emmys 2017: Atlanta, Donald Glover, Alec Baldwin, Leslie Jones among comedy picks
The 2017 Emmys are going to recognize this year some of the best in comedy, but despite there being so many different options out there in terms of contenders, we’ll be honest: We really didn’t have all that much trouble pinpointing some of our favorite nominees this year. It felt reasonably cut-and-dry in terms of determining who we felt has done the most with their material and who has done the most to effectively change and redefine the genre.
Below, you can see our CarterMatt – comedy picks in full.
Comedy Series – Atlanta (FX). Donald Glover and the producer team somehow managed to find a way to shape this city into a character, and create a story that was real, pointed, emotional, but also still funny. It was one of the most unique series on TV when it aired, and it brought you everything from struggle to success. We don’t foresee it first airing a year ago as a huge deterrent for voters, especially since some other nominees have already had their time in the sun.
Actor in a Comedy Series – Donald Glover, Atlanta (FX). We’ve been a fan of Glover’s since his writing work on 30 Rock, but seeing him as Earn Marks here is a reminder of everything that he can do and is capable of bringing to the table. He’s obviously a funny guy (Community showed us that), but this was a role that was relatable, introspective when he needed to be, and multifaceted in a way that few comedy leading men are.
Actress in a Comedy Series – Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO). Again? Yes. We’re not going to be one of those people to overlook the best contender just because they’ve won a ton of times before. She just brings so much bit and power to Selina Meyer and finds a way to routinely make watching her a joy, even if she’s a pretty horrible person and you shouldn’t want to root for her in a million years.
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Alec Baldwin, Saturday Night Live (NBC). It feels a little strange in some ways to want to vote for someone who was only in a small percentage of certain episodes during the season, but his Donald Trump really singlehandedly through SNL into the forefront of political discussion. He was absurd and completely unafraid to go to dark, interesting places with his take on a President who was unqualified and really just a puppet for the Grim Reaper Steve Bannon.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Leslie Jones, Saturday Night Live (NBC). Maybe this is a little more of a competitive category than we’re making it out to be given that Kate McKinnon is probably going to be the favorite to win it; nonetheless, we do think that Jones is uproariously funny and this was her best year yet. While she is known for being these big, over-the-top characters, her finest work this past season came more during the softer, intimate sketches, including when she determined that she wanted to actually give playing Trump a try.
Who do you want to see winning comedy prizes at the 2017 Emmys? Be sure to share some more of your thoughts on the matter below!