Emmys 2012: Our Dream Nominees, from Community to Walking Dead

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Will Arnett, Up All Night

As underrated as the show is and as underrated as the performances are, Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph always seem to get the most attention. And for the life of me, I cannot understand why people cannot see how Arnett is the soul of the show! He’s funny and yet completely charming. I can watch him act forever.

Louis C.K., Louie

The show may not garner all that many laughs, but Louis C.K.’s performance of…well, himself…is outright effortless, which I’m sure is hard to do when you’re not only in front of the camera, but directing, producing, editing, writing, and marketing et al. This one man show deserves credit where it’s due. And the buck stops at Louis C.K.

Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory

Jim Parsons isn’t the only one on TBBT that deserves an Emmy, Galecki deserves the nomination, as well. He’s been overshadowed by Parsons for too long.

Zachary Levi, Chuck

Chuck spent five years being snubbed by the Emmys (besides the action/stunt category), but the work of leading man Zachary Levi — who has been asked to play every emotion in the spectrum and be a part of insane stunt choreography — is unparalleled. It’s rare to say you just can’t imagine someone else in this role, but that’s the way it is with Levi. He is Chuck, and never gave less than 100% for five years.

Joel McHale, Community

By god, is there a harder working man in Hollywood? Between The Soup and feature films, Joel McHale has put effort into being the glue that sticks our favorite community together in Community. And his portrayal of apathetic college student Jeff is nothing short of comedic…and at times, even inspiring (given those pep talks).

Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

JIM PARSONS? AGAIN? Yes. I don’t care how many times this man gets nominated, he’s totally worth it. He doesn’t just deliver comedic lines; he sells him with his facial expressions and his body movements. He’s all about physical comedy which makes him a rarity on TV.

Honorable Mentions

Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm — David’s portrayal of himself, not unlike Louis C.K., is downright effortless as well with his uncanny vision of life…it’s practically seamless.

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Television