Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a month away, I’ve decided to start a series in which I offer up my dream ballot for each major category. Then, I’ll look at the actual Emmy ballot and offer a “Who should win?” and a “Who Will Win?” for each. I hope you enjoy! Today, we’ll be looking at….
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Dream Ballot
TINA FEY, “30 Rock”
Tina Fey’s always been one of the funniest people on television, and the final year of 30 Rock really put a bow on her wonderful run as Liz Lemon. She did especially amazing work in the two part finale, conveying both sadness and and delight as she closed out her relationships with Jack, Tracy, and Jenna.
ZOOEY DESCHANEL, “New Girl”
After an average first season, New Girl blew me away this year. Jake Johnson had the breakout performance, but Deschanel was consistently great as the awkward, endearing Jess Day. Her relationship with Nick was one the best handled, and funniest, relationships I’ve ever seen on television.
LAURA DERN, “Enlightened”
Amy Jellicoe was a flawed, narcissistic character that just wanted to improve the world. Dern was amazing at her portrayal of Jellicoe, transforming her character into an unlikeable, yet relatable person that you could sympathize with. Her character was so real, and so unique, and was one of the best on TV.
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, “Veep”
Her performance as the sarcastic, bumbling Vice President was top notch this year. The profanity-filled, glass door-breaking shenanigans were absolutely hilarious, and her relationships with her ex-husband and her daughter Catherine had very few dull moments.
LENA DUNHAM, “Girls”
This performance, as well as the show in general, is extremely polarizing. However, in the second season of the show, Dunham brilliantly portrayed a woman spiraling downward due to her OCD and relationship troubles. There will always be detractors, but that shouldn’t stop her from getting a nomination.
AMY POEHLER, “Parks and Recreation”
Poehler is TV’s second-funniest lady, right behind Tina Fey. Leslie Knope is such a lovable, heart-warming character that we love to see every week. Her wedding with Ben was one of the most beautiful things on TV this year, and she even got to meet Joe Biden!
Who should win?
I’d love to see Dern win, as it’s her last year of eligibility, but I’d be just as happy with Poehler or Fey. Poehler has to win sometime, though. We don’t want to see another Steve Carell situation.
Others considered: Sutton Foster, Edie Falco, Martha Plimpton, Dakota Johnson, Krysten Ritter, Courteney Cox, Portia de Rossi
On to the real nominations…
Laura Dern-Enlightened
Lena Dunham-Girls
Edie Falco-Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey-30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus-Veep
Amy Poehler-Parks and Recreation
Who should win?
See above.
Who will win?
Fey
Analysis: I believe Fey can pull it off one last time. It’s between her and Louis-Dreyfus for the win, but I think we’re going to see some final season nostalgia culminating in Fey’s win. It’d be well-deserved, though.
Credit to HBO, NBC, FOX, Veep, Girls, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, New Girl, and Enlightened for all pictures. I own nothing.
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