BENJAMONSTER AWARDS 2021: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Today's award is Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series!

Check out the nominees and winner from 2020!

This year's nominees are:

JONATHAN BAILEY as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton (Netflix)

MICHAEL DORMAN as Gordo Stevens in For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

GRIFFIN DUNNE as Nicky Pearson in This is Us (NBC)

O-T FAGBENLE as Luke Bankole in The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)

JOSEPH FIENNES as Fred Waterford in The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)

JOHN LITHGOW as E.B. Jonathan in Perry Mason (HBO)

TOBIAS MENZIES as Prince Philip in The Crown (Netflix)

And the Winner Is...

MICHAEL DORMAN

For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

Michael Dorman was the MVP of the much improved second season of For All Mankind. He completely transformed himself physically to play a character who had gone a little bit off the rails in the decade that passed between seasons. His portrayal of Gordo was the emotional arc of the season, both in his return to space and in his relationship with Tracy (Sarah Jones). Dorman created a very sympathetic figure in Gordo's darkest moments and a character to root for to the very end. (SPOILERS AHEAD). It it sad that Gordo's story is over but it was a bold decision to kill both him and Tracy off and it allowed for a very poignant season finale for the two characters. Because of Dorman's work through the season, it was a very emotional finale.

Thoughts on the Rest of the Nominees:

Like Dorman, there are several actors on this list in their final years of eligibility in this category due to a variety of reasons. (SPOILERS AHEAD) Another actor killed off was Joseph Fiennes in the season finale of The Handmaid's Tale and Fiennes did a great job playing the villain until the very end. Tobias Menzies will be moving on from The Crown as Prince Philip ages up. Though he moved into a supporting role in his second season, his presence was still steady and strong. Jonathan Bailey is not leaving Bridgerton but will be moving to a lead role next season and I think he's capable of carrying on the series after some strong moments in the first season. Returning nominee Griffin Dunne didn't appear on This is Us until well into the season but his scenes were among the best of the entire season as he has become one of the most endearing characters on the show. O-T Fagbenle was given a lot of material as a conflicted character in the fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale and became more likable in the process. Finally, the legendary John Lithgow elevated yet another series with his steady and strong performance in Perry Mason.

Tomrorow: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series!