TV COLUMN: GOLDEN GLOBES - PART 3

From 'Game of Thrones' to 'Modern Family,' Here Are Predictions of Television Awards 2012

By: Rachel Heine

January 13, 2012

The Golden Globes are a time for film and television to come together and celebrate the extraordinary work they've done. This year has been an excellent one for the small screen. Fantasy, drama, thrillers, and comedy series have all created three-dimensional characters, fascinating plots, and even snuck some acclaimed film actors over to their side. Before the big night, check out Buzzine's guesses for the best of the best in television.

TELEVISION

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama

Could this be a sweep for Homeland? Claire Danes’ performance as the fiercely intelligent and volatile Agent Carrie is a stark shift for her. Playing someone with bipolar disorder is no simple task. Danes brought a frantic, relatable energy to the character that kept audiences rooting for her no matter how insane her actions. Watching her on Homeland was a sincere pleasure, and she more than earned this award.

Read Buzzine’s Review of Homeland.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Last year, Steve Buscemi won this award, but Breaking Bad’s flawless lead actor, Bryan Cranston, wasn’t in the race. Jeremy Irons is a master at his craft, and Kelsey Grammer has been turning heads since his dramatic role on Boss. Damian Lewis is a relative newcomer to the game, at least in the U.S., but his restrained panic on Homeland quickly brought him to the forefront. Still, Cranston has won Emmys three years in a row for the simple reason that he is the best. (We still can’t believe Breaking Bad wasn’t nominated for Best Drama Series.)

Read Buzzine's Review of Breaking Bad.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical

Zooey Deschanel’s aptly named new show, New Girl, is fast becoming one of the most successful sitcoms this season. Still, Amy Poehler’s work on Parks and Recreation is nothing short of phenomenal. She manages to be sweet, awkward, strong, and utterly hilarious all in the same breath. That show has not gotten nearly enough recognition as it should, and this year could be hers to win.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical

Alec Baldwin, David Duchovny, Johnny Galecki, Thomas Jane, and Matt LeBlanc are all such capable comedians; this is a tough one to gamble on. Their respective shows and characters are so dissimilar that it’s difficult to compare. Baldwin is the shoe-in for his unwavering stoicism, but Duchovny’s bachnalian wit could sneak up and steal the prize.

Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical

Modern Family and Glee have dominated awards season the past few years, but the lesser-known Enlightened and Episodes are more than worthy competitors. Laura Dern’s hysterical fits and quest for enlightenment are downright absurd, and Matt LeBlanc finally found a new self-deprecating niche away from Friends. In the end, Modern Family is the most accessible comedy, and will win again.

Best Television Series – Drama

Besides Boardwalk Empire, the Scorsese-produced prohibition era drama, all the nominated series are brand new. Boss stars Kelsey Grammer as a ruthless Chicago mayor who discovers he has a degenerative disease, and the show hits home in an old fashioned way. On the other hand, American Horror Story took risks that no one expected from the creator of a musical teen comedy. Ryan Murphy delved into murderers, rapists, abortions, school shootings, ghosts, ghouls, and a whole lot of creepy with his new show, catching everyone’s attention. Though all worthy competitors, this race is down to the epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones, and whirlwind political thriller, Homeland. Game of Thrones monopolized the Emmys last year, but Homeland is fresh, new, and primed to win its first big award.

Read Buzzine's Review of Game of Thrones.

Tune in to the Golden Globes this Sunday, January 22nd to see if our predictions are right, and sound off on Buzzine's Facebook page to make your own.