TVSquad

When it comes to the Primetime Emmy nominations, there are scads of terrific supporting performances to choose from in the comedy field. The difficulty is narrowing it down to just six actors and six actresses (which is better than last year's five each). Maybe the Emmys should take a page from the Academy Awards and double the number of nominations -- this year's Best Picture will include ten noms. That's not going to happen, but that doesn't mean my wish list discussion can't mention all those worthy comedy performers.

Last year's comedy winners, Jean Smart for Samantha Who? and Jeremy Piven for Entourage, were both multiple winners. In Jean's case, it wasn't all for the same role, but Jeremy has been pulling a John Larroquette/Don Knotts in this category. (Larroquette and Knotts dominated this category; the former winning for Night Court from 1985-88, while Knotts won five times for The Andy Griffith Show from 1961-67). My wish list would start by shaking things up.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
If there is a dark horse nominee/likely winner in 2009, it's Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory. I don't think Jim will be in the Lead Actor category, although I agree with what Jason wrote about him. Still, I see him slotted in the supporting category. Parsons has been getting all the pub, but HBO has a tendency to swoop in on award night and take the prize. That's why Neil Patrick Harris has been nominated for How I Met Your Mother, but hasn't won. Same thing with Jon Cryer for Two and A Half Men. Something tells me that CBS sitcoms don't warrant the same respect as quirkier shows like The Office -- with the Emmy worthy supporting actors Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski -- or 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer. And even though it's been canceled, I expect Chi McBride to be recognized for Pushing Daisies.

If my wishes are granted, the nominees will be some of the aforementioned guys -- Jim Parsons, Neil Patrick Harris, Rainn Wilson, Chi McBride, Jack McBrayer -- plus Hamish Linklater for The New Adventures of Old Christine. Yes, yes, I am leaving Jeremy Piven out of the mix. Like Tony Shalhoub with all those Monk Emmys, not to mention Larroquette and Knotts, it's time to spread the wealth.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Three-time Emmy winning actress Jean Smart is still a good bet for a Samantha Who? nomination, as are last year's runner-ups (a nicer word than losers), Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies and Vanessa Williams for Ugly Betty. I love Holland Taylor on Two and a Half Men, but she really wasn't on too much last season, so she may not be included this year. Expect Elizabeth Perkins from Weeds to make the cut, and Jenna Fischer of The Office may sneak in, too. However, if there's one actress I demand be included, it's Wanda Sykes on The New Adventures of Old Christine.

When the nominees are announced, if my wishes are fulfilled, these will be the names read: Wanda Sykes, Kristin Chenoweth, Jenna Fischer, Jean Smart, Elizabeth Perkins and Vanessa Williams. If there are any surprises -- outside of Wanda Sykes -- it might be Jane Krakowski for 30 Rock. She's wonderful as Jenna, but seems to be in Tina Fey's shadow.

But enough about my wishes, what about yours? Comment below and share with TV Squad your choices for the supporting actor and actresses in a comedy series.