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

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Alison Brie, Community

But Alison Brie is a whole different story. That girl has RANGE. I mean, how can someone play the most over-bearing wife on the most serious drama on TV on Sundays (Mad Men) and still play the most adorable character on one of the most comedic shows on television and yet make you believe they’re portrayed by two different actresses?

Eliza Coupe, Happy Endings

Eliza Couple is pure genius. Just like Christa Miller and Busy Phillips. Their characters are NASTY and often inappropriate, but the actresses play them beautifully that you just want to quote them everywhere.

Christa Miller, Cougar Town

Everyone’s favorite mean girl who’s all grown up is played by the impeccable Christa Miller. She may throw an insult (or ten) around every episode, but ultimately the hard exterior surrounds…and even harder interior…and then there’s a soft center. But it’s still in there, and Miller plays it nicely. Plus, while being the bitchy character, she also plays Ellie as one of the two sensible people in this group, while also being one of our favorite characters.. Difficult feat.

Busy Phillips, Cougar Town

Busy Phillip’s portrayal of Jules’ insanely quirky assistant (well, not anymore) and Travis’ potential romantic interest Laurie is, in a word, absolutely hilarious. I dare you to give that girl a line she can’t deliver. And while some of her best scenes come from insulting battles with Christa Miller, they also come from the more tender scenes (with Christa Miller, too). What it boils down to is that Phillips is a definite scene-stealer — and we’re always glad when she does.

Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother

Cobie Smulders was able to convert HIMYM into a drama this season in its midseason finale, “Symphony of Illumination.” She made us cry SO badly. Plus, she’s also quite the talented comedienne.

Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck

There are a lot of actresses under the radar on television, and one of them is Chuck’s female lead (although she submits under supporting) Yvonne Strahovkski. Subtly transitioning her character from absolutely stoic to a gate of emotion in five years could only have been played so beautifully by the equally as beautiful Strahovski. The way she can display emotion without a blip of dialogue is unparalleled. And she’s believable holding a gun, to boot.

Honorable Mentions

Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live

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