The accolades keep coming for writer/actress Tina Fey. She was named “Entertainer of the Year” by the Associated Press, beating out Robert Downey Jr. and Heath Ledger for the award. The “30 Rock” creator, writer and star had a busy year, including her first leading role in a movie, the female buddy comedy “Baby Mama” co-starring her partner in SNL hilarity Amy Poehler. She also won two Emmy awards and helped to make SNL politically relevant again with her repeat guest performances as VP candidate Sarah Palin. My favorite line from those appearances was this one: “I believe that marriage meant to be a sacred institution between two unwilling teenagers….”
VP Debate – Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

Fey was voted The Associated Press’ Entertainer of the Year, an annual honor chosen by newspaper editors and broadcast producers across the country. Fey was selected by AP members as the performer who had the greatest impact on culture and entertainment in 2008.

The 38-year-old comedian bested runner-up Robert Downey Jr., whose comeback was capped with the blockbuster smash “Iron Man,” and the third-place vote-getter, Heath Ledger, who posthumously wowed audiences as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

But it was Fey who most impressed voters largely with her indelible impression of Gov. Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live.” Her cameos on her old show (where she had been a head writer until 2006) helped drive the show to record ratings and eventually drew an appearance from Palin herself.

“Tina Fey is such an obvious choice,” said Sharon Eberson, entertainment editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “She gave us funny when we really needed it and, in a year when women in politics were making huge strides, Fey stood out in the world of entertainment.”

Fey’s 2008 was a full year, though.

She also starred for the first time on the big screen in “Baby Mama” (which grossed $60 million at the box office) and won three Emmys for her critically lauded NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” which she created, stars in and writes. In the comedy series category, she won for best lead actress and best writing, and shared in the award for best comedy series.

“She simultaneously entertained us with her wit and put a mirror up to the nation during the election and made us think about what was going on,” said Scott Shive, assistant features editor at the Lexington Herald-Leader. “She is the epitome of the smart kid coming out on top for once.”

[From The Associated Press]

Congrats to Tina on an amazing year. But honestly, I’ve loved her ever since she went on the Howard Stern Show years ago and said that SNL guest host Paris Hilton was a piece of shit with Fraggle hair.

Highlights from Tina Fey’s amazing year: Winning two Emmys for “30 Rock,” the premiere of “Baby Mama” and the parody of the Vice Presidential candidates debate on SNL. Photo credits: WENN.