2014 TV Evannies Awards Announcement -- Guest Acting Categories

Today, in part two of the 2014 TV Evannies winner announcement, I'll be revealing my winners in the guest acting categories. In the past few years, guest actors have gone from being one-off characters to being integral to the success of the show, and this year's nominees have shown that, even in somewhat limited screentime, they've made a huge impact. Without further ado, the winners are...

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

WINNER: Jimmy Fallon for "Saturday Night Live"

2nd Place: Pablo Schrieber for "Orange Is the New Black"

3rd Place: Nathan Lane for "Modern Family"

James Earl Jones for "The Big Bang Theory"

Bob Newhart for "The Big Bang Theory"

Brad Garrett for "The Crazy Ones"

In his post-SNL career, Fallon has gone from being a recognizable "SNL" alum to a late night staple. This past television season was a big one as he officially was given the reins to "The Tonight Show," yet he was burning up with buzz a few months earlier after an outstanding hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live," the performance that makes him my winner for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Fallon's two hosting gigs since leaving "SNL" have been total showcases for the comedian, and with general adoration for Fallon at an all-time high, expectations were sky-high headed into this episode. Assisted by musical guest/real-life BFF Justin Timberlake, Fallon elevated his episode of "SNL" to the best of the season with memorable impersonations, laugh-out-loud delivery, but most importantly, his general charm. You can't help but just laugh and appreciate the dude when he appears on screen. It's that kind of charm that makes it easy to digest his performances whether they be on scripted television or a late-night TV show. His range was on full display in this Christmas episode, and he saved a "just okay" season of the late-night staple, worthy of a win here. However, he was in great company in this category. Whereas Fallon is lovable and fun, Schrieber's "OITNB" character Pornstache is the complete opposite. A misogynistic, loathsome correctional officer, Schrieber could've easily played the villain, yet his delivery and subtle charm (much different from Fallon's) made Pornstache a fan favorite character. As the show gave us a peak into his psyche, we began to savor every moment Schrieber was on screen and, although you may not always agree with his every move, you ate up every insult hurled and offensive nickname slurred. Schrieber had a hell of a job in making one of the most unlikable characters on the show likable, but he succeeded in spades. Lane, a "Modern Family" staple since the second season, but this year was easily his best contribution to the show. After being picked as Cam and Mitch's wedding planner, Lane makes a memorable appearance in the season finale as the panicked overseer of a day going completely wrong. In an ensemble-heavy episode, Lane's performance had the biggest impact and delivered the biggest laughs. Completely over-the-top and hammy, he added the extra zest needed to an already crazy episode. Lane's performance on the show peaked this year, and left fans not hoping it's the last we'll see of him, but wondering how soon is too soon to have a little Pepper back in our lives. Jones and Newhart, the two veterans of the category, each had memorable turns on "The Big Bang Theory" this year. Jones played a heightened version of himself, getting into trouble with Jim Parsons' Sheldon and showing that the laughs aren't being saved for the younger actors. Newhart, in his second/third appearance on the show, had two episodes that showed him being laugh-out-loud funny and a voice of reason, a realistic performance that made the audience believe, in three episodes, he really was an inspiration to Sheldon. Finally, Garrett was a standout on "The Crazy Ones" playing a pessimistic boss. His on-screen partnership with Robin Williams led to a number of great comedic moments, and certainly left fans like myself wondering how much better the show could've been if it were renewed for a second season with Garrett along for the ride each episode.

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

WINNER: Allison Janney for "Masters of Sex"

2nd Place: Kate Burton for "Scandal"

3rd Place: Carrie Preston for "The Good Wife"

Annaleigh Ashford for "Masters of Sex"

Julianne Nicholson for "Masters of Sex"

Lisa Kudrow for "Scandal"

A category dominated by only three shows, yes, but it was truly difficult to narrow this list down to six ladies, since there were a number of memorable turns this year. The only returning nominee, and coincidentally the reigning winner, is Preston. Fans of the show now clamor an appearance by Preston because she's created, easily, the most memorable "TGW" guest character. As Elsbeth, Preston has the quirk and schizophrenic manner down to a science, yet she's never annoying or over-the-top. She's kooky enough that audiences can't help but fall in love. Preston continues to give an impressive performance and leaves everyone, including myself, wondering how fast she can come back. With two nominations in this category, "Scandal" makes quite an impact with its strong female performances. On a show already dominated by strong performances by actresses Kerry Washington and Bellamy Young, the guest actresses aren't slacking either. Kudrow, playing completely against type, is a headstrong politician with a dirty secret, but she is never once reminiscent of her "Friends" character Phoebe. Instead, Kudrow plays dirty, delivers impressive monologues, and has fans wondering what is next for her character's future. However, the superior "Scandal" performance this season for guest actresses is Burton's, as she finally steps into the limelight on her own with a shocking storyline that (SPOILERS) finds her coping with the murder of her husband...that she committed, as well as a run for the presidency while acting as the country's current Vice President. Burton plays an unlikable character, and while we don't necessarily grow to love her, we understand her motivations and reasoning. Playing a scorned wife and an angry politician, Burton has range and an impact that leaves audiences questioning just exactly who the coldest character of the show is. "Masters of Sex" has three nominees in this category, proving that a show based around a time period that still denied the importance of women in the professional world is rooted in the strength of its female performances. Nicholson's character sees extreme growth as she thaws her icy demeanor and forms a strong friendship with her co-worker, Virginia, played by Lizzy Caplan. Although she is initially mean and uninterested, we grow to really care about Nicholson by the end of the season. Ashford, meanwhile, comes in guns blazing from the very first episode, playing a brash and outspoken prostitute, yet in her brief appearance in the show's first season (she was then updated to series regular for the second season), she made a big impact by shedding the layers of her character and aspirations for the future. She's easy to love, and Ashford's little quirks make this performance one of the most unique, and certainly should leave audiences excited about a heightened presence in season two. However, the best guest performance by an actress not only on "MoS," but all drama series this year, was Janney. In a banner year, Janney gave two completely different performances, but her work on "MoS" shows that subtlety can prevail. As a neglected housewife finally breaking out of her shell and her loveless marriage, Janney is sympathetic and you cannot help but absolutely cheer her on during her mission of self-discovery. You just want to see her succeed in finding love and finding herself, and Janney's warmth draws audiences in from the very beginning of her arc. She's heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, and thus makes herself the winner of this category.


Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

WINNER: Joe Morton for "Scandal"

2nd Place: Pedro Pascal for "Game of Thrones"

3rd Place: Dylan Baker for "The Good Wife"

Michael J. Fox for "The Good Wife"

Nathan Lane for "The Good Wife"

Beau Bridges for "Masters of Sex"

A great villain never reveals his true colors and man, oh man, was that true of Morton's performance on this season of "Scandal." Initially introduced at the tail end of the show's second season, this year we got to color in the shades of grey to Olivia's father, all the while juggling with our own feelings and judgments, and struggling to reach a solid conclusion: is this guy good or bad? Even when he was at his worst, the audience knew he was acting in his daughter's best interest. A man who admires his relationship with his daughter so much that he's willing to do anything, yes anything, to keep her loyalty. Through it all, Morton forcefully powered through, forcing the audience to question their allegiance on a weekly basis. Heck, after a whole season, we're still unsure if we should trust the guy or not, and that's what makes Morton's performance a true winner. Pascal, by contrast, is a little less grey, and while we know he's not exactly the most admirable of characters, he ends up becoming a fan favorite by season's end. Pascal, cunning, charming, and witty, originally comes off as a love-him-or-hate-him character, but as he begins to side with perennial favorite Tyrion, we begin to cheer him on, and in his final episode, we are finally on his side, but it is unfortunately too late (I won't go into detail, but if you watch the show, you know what I'm talking about). Although his tenure on the show was short-lived, his impact was important and, on a show where the bad guys seemingly always run the show, his loyalty was admirable, a testament to Pascal's great performance. Baker, following the pattern of this category's nominees, is a dark, dark man. Having been cleared of murdering his first wife (although we're pretty sure he actually did do it), Baker returned this season, engaged to a third wife who finds herself put on trial for the staged suicide of her friend. Baker remains as dark and clever as ever. It's all due to Baker that we're able to just shamelessly love a character who we know is so bad. Walking around with an air of arrogance and suspicion, Baker is all at once chill-inducing and laugh out loud funny, a delicate balance that makes this performance a winner. Two other "TGW" actors are nominated here for great arcs this season. Lane found his footing this season, stepping up to the plate amidst a sea of change and after coming off as untrustworthy last season, he was a valuable team player, all while trying his hand at being a court lawyer and earning his place at Alicia's law firm. Fox, meanwhile, is a utility player for Diane late in the season, and the loveably hateful character comes back to wreck havoc, all while maintaining the suave charm and laughable ridiculousness that has made him a fan favorite guest star. Finally, Bridges is part two of a dynamic couple on "MoS" this past season that made the most compelling story not the sex study conducted by the title character, but the study of a complicated relationship between two adults past their prime. As the closeted provost of a hospital, Bridges is heartbreaking as he tries to "fix" himself and prove his worth to a tired wife (Evannies and Emmys Guest Actress in a Drama Series winner Allison Janney). His dedication to a woman he doesn't really love, while trying to hide his true personality from family and friends leaves the audience feeling shattered every week, a testament to how much Bridges lets us sympathize with a man we could easily show no pity for.


Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

WINNER: Taryn Manning for "Orange Is the New Black"

2nd Place: Uzo Aduba for "Orange Is the New Black"

3rd Place: Cristin Milioti for "How I Met Your Mother"

Mimi Kennedy for "Mom"

Anna Kendrick for "Saturday Night Live"

Emily Bergl for "Shameless"

Joan Cusack for "Shameless"

I know, I know. An "OITNB" win here seemed obvious, but I didn't go with the popular consensus. Yes, I loved Uzo Aduba in the first season (more on that in a second), but the most impressive guest performance for me, on "OITNB" and television in general, was Manning's transformative portrayal of Pennsatucky. While Aduba undoubtedly stole scenes throughout the season, it was the impact of Manning's Pennsatucky that sucked me into the show. Her season-ending conflict with Piper was magnetic, and while she played a largely unlikable character, you somehow grew to appreciate her quirks and backwards thinking. She wasn't, despite her beliefs, kind or even necessarily right, but she steadily fought for what she believed in. Completely manic, yet believing herself to be the end-all, be-all, Pennsatucky was the season one antagonist, but you still largely cared about her, thanks to Manning's performance. With just the right mix of crazy, outlandish, and misunderstanding, Manning was an easy highlight in a killer ensemble. Right behind her in this race is the woman who received most of the show's season one kudos, and rightfully so: Aduba. Playing Crazy Eyes, she pops every time she appears on screen and adds just the right dash of "WTF" to her scenes. She was an instant scene-stealer, which is why she easily became one of the show's most recognizable characters, and she did exactly what needed to be done with a role of this size: she made the audience want to get to know her better. A magnetic presence on screen, Aduba popped out of nowhere to win the hearts of the audience and likewise became a breakout star. Milioti came into her role on "HIMYM" with a lot of weight to carry because she would be playing the titular mother. After eight seasons, we finally were going to meet the woman we've been waiting to see since 2005, and she did not disappoint one bit. Although we didn't get to spend as much time with her as we'd hoped, Milioti made the best of her time to have not only the characters, but the audience finally cheer as we met the woman Ted had been talking about for years. As we finally got to understand how she ended up being at the same wedding as Ted, we learned about her heartbreaking past and grew to care about her just as much as the characters we'd spent Monday nights with for eight years. That's a testament to Milioti's powerful and easily charming performance, and although the end for the mother might not have been the one most (read: everyone and anyone) wanted, we never stopped loving her. "Mom" grew over the course of its first season to become a show about the powerful, although sometimes twisted, relationships between moms and friends, and Kennedy's guest performance provided an extra jolt of energy to the show. In a role that has now been upgraded to a series regular performance, Kennedy originally played a humorous rival to Allison Janney's character, but later added emotional heft to the series with a cancer diagnosis and a deep friendship with Anna Faris' Christy. Kennedy so fluidly went from being laugh-out-loud funny to heartbreaking that her performance (along with others on the show) almost had you forgetting you were watching a show from the same guy who made "Two and a Half Men." In her debut "SNL" guest hosting stint, Kendrick went above and beyond as she bravely tackled a number of skits. Through it all, she maintained the charm that's made her a beloved actress for the younger generation. Singing through numerous skits, she never once lost the glow in her eye, and she completely went for it in every skit, whether it be as a rapping Ariel (yes, Ariel the Little Mermaid) or a French waitress/dancer/"Cups" enthusiast (yes, you read that right). After one hosting stint, audiences (including yours truly) are chomping at the bit to see Kendrick back on the stage at 30 Rock. Finally, a pair of performances from "Shameless" round out the list. Bergl, a new cast member this year, came into the world of "Shameless" looking like she would make everyone's lives a living hell, yet ended up becoming one of the series' most sympathetic characters. Her relentless effort to find her father a kidney ended up forming a sweet relationship with William H. Macy's Frank. In another kind of relationship with Frank, Joan Cusack had a great season playing the manic, obsessive Sheila. Whether it be trying to save a group of Indian children from becoming orphans or marrying a comatose Frank in the hospital, Cusack sold it every second of the way, never becoming too strange or crazy, and earning every bit of the audience's love along the way.