It was, in retrospect, unlikely that this series of "Inside Number 9" was going to be able to maintain the standard it's established throughout the whole fourth run and whilst "And The Winner is . . " is by no means bad, it pales in comparison with what's come before.
The episode revolves around the machinations of a room of actors and industry professionals trying to determine who wins Best Actress at an unnamed awards ceremony. Despite the great real actors that took part in the episode, the characters that they play are a bit too clichéd to get much joy out of. Fenella Woolgar is a disgruntled journalist, criticising because she can't create; Kenneth Cranham is an aging RSC thespian; Phoebe Sparrow is a dull member of the public, who likes everyone; Noel Clarke is a young popular director desperately avoiding the professional advances of fellow jury member Clive, played by Reese Shearsmith, who has a script he's trying to sell; and finally Zoe Wannamaker is a fading star, about to embark on a disappointing West End run, who recites the soundbites her assistant provided because she hasn't watched any of the performances in question.
It's a decent premise for an episode, and I would imagine the tangential reasons provided to justify why someone isn't suitable of winning is probably closer to the truth than anyone actually involved in award shows would like to admit, but when Shearsmith and Pemberton don't bring anything from the horror side of their repertoire, usually the comedy makes up for it - unfortunately, this one just isn't funny enough to make up the difference.