Days Of Our Lives
45th Daytime Emmys: Watch Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series Nominated Reels: Who Should Win?
Five of daytime’s most talented actors are in the running for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at this year’s 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
A few of them have taken home the gold before, but which gent will take home the prize on Sunday night, April 29th?
To help you figure out who may have the best chances to win, check out their nominated performances via the reels they submitted for the blue-ribbon round of competition.
Nominated are: Billy Miller (formerly Jason, now Drew, GH), Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R). Michael Easton (Finn, GH), James Reynolds (Abe, DAYS), and John McCook (Eric, B&B).
Watch these powerhouse performances after the jump! Then let us know who you think should win come Emmy night via the comment section below!
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!

Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
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IMO Billy Miller has the best reel am’s should win. He shows amazing range and captures my very favorite emotion – laughter through tears perfectly at the end.
I’m not sure if James Reynolds is on Days enough anymore to qualify as a “lead”, but he definitely deserves the Emmy for the Theo shooting storyline. Probably the most material he’s had to work with in years, and he knocked it out of the park.
Yes…he was really good there…
Hi, Jimmy,
Yes, James excelled in the scene ( Theo’s shooting and aftermath), but, I agree with Satan when he states that James has not been ‘around’ so much …..I do not think, though, that one reel , or one instance constitutes an Emmy.
James has not engaged enough for me.
Casey did it for me . But, everyone is so good; Peter B, Billy F, Billy M etc…. it becomes a challenge picking the best. They are all the best !!
I am really loving Dool….but, I find the dark turn Abigail’s storyline is taking more than a little disturbing.
Will she fall into bed with Stefan?…a true criminal he….taking advantage of an alter is a crime, as far as I am concerned.
The PTB should tread lightly on this delicate terrain—-it is NOT Abigal giving consent, but an alter. In the real world this would be rape, wouldn’t it? What message are ‘they’ sending?
I don’t like it……too melodramatic, Machiavellian and Sadistic for me.
I liked the idea of pursuing the storyline, Jimmy, but not at the risk of exploiting a personality with
DID.
James Reynolds is my favorite.
James and only James. I mean really!
I love Billy Miller, any one that knows me, knows I LOVE that guy. However this storyline killed the power of his skill for me. Billy can make lemonade out of lemons for sure but right now my vote goes to Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott. That man is really an excellent actor who can convey so much emotion on many levels. The rest of the nominees were good. In fact very good but most of the scenes they submitted were overacting. And that makes me uptight. Be sincere in your skill. Peter Bergman is an amazing actor who has had 2 years of solid excellence even when the stories were a little tilted. He deserves some serious recognition for it. If Peter does not win, then Billy Miller deserves it. Like I said, Billy has massive ability. He has won the Emmy 2 times previously and deserved it for those submissions but this time, the story made me forget his strength as an actor. Applause to all the nominees. Kudos to Billy Miller for remaining excellent even in a bad story. Kudos to Peter Bergman for your greatness. I hope you take that well deserved prize home.
Nicely stated. I agree.
I would like for it to be Peter Bergman, but my gut tells me that James Reynolds from Days will get it.
I am pulling for Peter Bergman, he is great as Jack Abbott and has done some very good work through this career.
I vote for Billy-a great actor and asset to GH!
The one and only—–
Billy Miller !
1st– He was Jake Doe
2nd– He was Jake/Jason
3rd– He was Jason
4th– He is now Drew
(5th to come- who is Drew)
Billy Miller, he slid from one to the other smooth as silk.
ALL his performances have been above all the others.
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO !!! – BILLY MIller ..
Oh, su000, how right you are. A few months back, I’d never have imagined that SB’s return would be the best thing to happen to our Billy. But for me, it has. He’s got a brand new man to create and has done it with class, generosity, and brilliance. I still remember those wounded eyes when Sonny, Carly, Robin, et al, turned their backs on him. He’s taken this chance and soared with it while, sadly, SB and Jason languish in dullsville and stand around waiting for Sonny’s latest dirty job to be done or Carly’s newest drama. Second choice is the great Peter Bergman’s brilliant work as the flawed, guilt-ridden Jack. No surprise that Mr. Bergman spotted Billy Miller’s talent early on and helped him find the role of Billy Abbott. These two are a perfect match of talent, creativity, and dedication.
Agreed. Billy Miller or Peter Bergman are my picks. Also, agreed, regarding Steve Burton-such a shame, so much talent and he is forced to be Sonny’s mob dog or Carly’s therapist.
Peter Bergman
Billy Miller! Still wish Maurice Bernard and Billy Flynn were in this category!
Billy Miller
Billy Miller
James Reynolds. Like Camryn Grimes, he broke my heart.
James Reynolds started with this soap in 1981 he took two small breaks in 1991 & 2003 I think this man has earned his stripes I would like for him to get the Emmy and I do not watch the soap anymore. I think it’s way past time to pay respect for this very fine man and actor.
I believe the last time a black actor won for daytime lead actor was 1985 Darnell Williams and since Hollywood tells the rest of us out here in the real world that we are racist etc then put your money where your so vocal mouths are and prove us wrong that you are not what you accuse of us being and give the Emmy to a man of color since you are so hung up on skin color and a good actor he deserves it. Yes I get on my soap box but if you are going to preach to me in your tweets then I am going to get in your face
That’s a great point and really sad it has been that long. I find it sad that the 80s were a more open minded time on our soap screens. James’ story and reel is perfect. Give it to him!
Don’t worry it is all a popular juggling act JR deserves it if PB gets it I won’t be that upset because he is good all the time and respected but I will scream if JR gets it he is a lovely man
“… I will scream if JR gets it he is a lovely man ”
absolutely – the man of the hour… James Reynolds continues to stun and shine
I had to “wiki” this : it seems like EON .. yet Renee Jones only left the show in June 2012. ??? with all due respect… I JUST LOVED this supercouple.
so… Abe and son… where present and didn’t languish
BAM – Theo was SORAS … along comes Lani, Valerie, and Eli.
this is truly a first rate family… who meld so well of off one another. this is why it pains me that TPTB went and fired Kyler… as Theo. nevertheless
James Reynolds as ABe Carver and Son took to the airwaves… and have NOT looked back… with all the SORAS of Joey, Theo, Claire, Ciera , Chase…. around October/November 2015.
since that time… I certainly have seen much more airtime for James Reynolds. he’s nothing short of a revelation. and I will put forth again… he may be @DAYS token person of color… respectfully… James Reynolds is certainly a key vet… whom I LOVE TO BITS. so it’s with warm heart and just wanting to cheer him on.. and someone new to the arena of emmy.
I have loved Abe and his newfound family from the start.
Abe / Valerie / Lani / Theo / Eli. the best work is REELING from this family.
I WANT that James Reynolds takes home gold… his bump up from his emmy nom last year in supporting… is just that… two deserved nominations
I DO NOT watch B&B – never did… I have tons of respect for John McCook @B&B. does he deserve this for his body of work. absolutely. which is why I say he deserved to win this last year. Clifton Scott ? what disrespect.
@GH : Billy Miller and Michael Easton do not belong on this list. I will jump to the top of the heap and say… everybody LOVES Billy Miller… he should have been nominated when he was John Doe. I look for him to be nominated every year from here on out. who wants to be tied in to the Corinthos clan and Steve burton Jason. ??? i’m so glad “Drew” is MOVING on and out of the Sonny and Carly show. PLUS moving along without Sam.
Michael Easton : disgraceful… who wouldn’t have wanted to see a REAL STORY about addiction… that syringe was HUGE. his one night detox with Hayden . MIRACULOUS. to this day… to see him floundering betwixt Anna and Alexis. he’s just not producing any thing of note.
Jack Abbott : who isn’t torn up about any mother and son relationship. it’s that BIG and wrenching of the heart. I’m not watching the show.. and truthfully… acknowledge his STAR @Y&R. but, it’s always going to be … his AMC character Dr. Cliff Warner and Nina Cortlandt where all the magic played.
if he wins… ecstatic
FOR THIS YEARS yield and recognize, Mr. James Reynolds, Days of OUR Lives
John McCook and Billy Miller. As for the other 3…nope. Sorry…but no dice.
Later.
There is a lot of very good material being written for men it seems in this women’s genre, which isn’t so bad if the women’s material would’ve been good as well. Peter Bergman is best in emotional range and skill followed closely by James Reynolds and they both had strong stories, it seems. And John McCook’s was good too.
Michael Easton was in a supporting role in his story with Hayden so while he is fine in it especially paired with her, I’m not sure why he’s in the lead category especially when GH is extremely clear about who they put on contract as lead players. And if they aren’t impressed enough with any of their leads, besides Billy, to put them forth as nominees (or the voters aren’t) then they should shift around who is lead on the show so the audience and voters aren’t bored to tears watching the same repetitive stories.
I think Michael Easton had the strongest scene with his cold turkey addiction……but I think that John McCook had the best chosen reel.
@moviegal…..Even though I abhorred the whole Finn drug thing, Easton did deliver great acting in his portrayal of addiction. As I’ve always enjoyed this man of multi-GH roles, I would be quite pleased to see him take home Emmy….she would certainly be a step up from Alexis!!!! (Hey, just for Finn maintaining a modicum of dignity and a straight face with that cringeworthy romantic farce alone, I have to say give that guy a trophy! He truly deserves it…with Billy Miller a close second….I also adore this actor, but was not at all taken with the copious character revisions that he was forced to undergo in the “Q a Deux” scenario!)
As much as I want Billy Miller to win because he is the most awesome actor, I really feel that James Reynolds, on my fav soap DOOL, deserves to win this year for his much deserved screen time with Theo’s shooting. He was just excellent! Sometimes I wanted to hate him, but as a parent you sympathized and cried along with him❤️
BILLY MILLER!!!!!!!
Peter Bergman-(Jack Abbott) should win this one. He just pulls at the heart strings.
The incredible MICHAEL EASTON!
Billy Miller!!!
The amazingly talented Michael Easton!
They’re all amazing actors! But Michael Easton’s scenes are fantastic, and he is long overdue for this win!
Michael Easton for sure
He has worked hard and delivers always.
His fans love and adore him. And fight to make
Sure he stays around!!
He is an excellent performer and deserves
This award!!!
I can not imagine watching without him!
Michael Easton .
The amazing multi-talented Michael Easton !!!
Michael Easton!! Just love him! He’s had some fantastic material this past year and his talents never cease to amaze me.
It’s been a long time coming for Michael Easton!
I am hoping that Michael Easton wins.
Michael Easton for sure – the man is an incredible actor!
Michael Easton is stunning I think he should win.