Days Of Our Lives
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Photo Gallery and Acceptance Speeches
Last night on the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, viewers watched a hybrid-broadcast for the annual kudofest as the world is coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.
While the acceptance speeches, and presenters were pre-taped along with the previously seen red carpet footage, no one knew who the winners were till last night, because all of the nominees taped a speech. The virtual ceremony combined remote presentations and remembrances, with host, Sheryl Underwood presiding over the ceremony on a soundstage and introducing presenters to the stage, as well.

Photo: NATAS/CBS
Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS said of the event on Friday night: “We honor the Daytime community for helping us find our way through the turbulence of the pandemic, increased racial unrest and the chaos of the presidential election as America faced one of its most trying years in our history. This evening celebrated not only the best programming and performances of this year but reflected on some of Daytime’s biggest icons that have left an indelible mark on our medium.”
Streaming service Netflix was actually the evening’s big overall winner with seven Emmys. NATAS had called this production and event a “transition” event after shooting much of it on a set, as they look to bring back the live event feel for next year, since the broadcast had already received a two-year commitment from CBS.
While the late Alex Trebek and Larry King were remembered and also won awards posthumously, Regis Philbin was also honored by his longtime co-host, Kathy Lee Gifford. Then, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Diamond White (Paris) performed a song during the In-Memoriam segment.
You can check out some of the acceptance speeches from Daytime Drama winners: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy, B&B) Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH), Max Gail (Ex-Mike, GH), Marla Adams (Ex-Dina, Y&R), and Frank Valentini (EP, GH) below our photo gallery of some of the backstage moments that were captured during portions of the pre-taped ceremony.
Then let us know, what did you think of the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards broadcast? Who’s acceptance speech did you enjoy? Share your views in the comment section.
the editing was subpar and made it seem like everything was predetermined. The speeches lacked the authenticity and surprise that comes with the opening of an envelope. This resulted in staid acceptance speeches (except a somewhat arrogant Maurice Bernard).
Grateful they were back on network tv – but they came across more like a People’s Choice Award presentation than an Emmy show.
Maurice knew he was going to win and that is the speech he prepared? Somehow he had to engage in humble bragging by letting the audience know the EP said he was the “ star of the show.” It gave me a whole new appreciation for Susan Lucci. When interviewers referred to her as the star of AMC, she’d stop them and assert that AMC is an ensemble cast with no one star. I guess she learned that wisdom from her mentor, Agnes Nixon. Frank Rich is no Agnes Nixon and MB lacks the class and humility of such actors as Lucci; or for that matter, the more talented Genie Frances, who was instrumental in putting GH on the map.
Harry, you make such great points here. You were a bit more diplomatic than I was in my original comment (that is, if it made the cut). I especially like your compare and contrast of Lucci, Francis, and Nixon with the likes of Benard and Rich. I also must wonder how other GH actors, particularly Francis, must feel about Benard’s “star of the show” statement. I know I wouldn’t want to work with someone like that…
Steve and Harry…I was also disappointed in Maurice’s demeanour and speech when accepting his award. Especially compared to other recipients. Too Sonny C. In reality he only won it because he could piggy-back on the outstanding performance of Max Gail.
I am just glad the show is back! There was just so much they could do, since we are just getting out of a pandemic
Now can you stop the bullshit !!! Maurice in no way said he was the star of the show so would you stop with the social media attacks on him!!! Maybe you might want to stop the madness I did not watch this I don’t watch the shows anymore have too much drama in my own life but please for the love of God stop attacking this man for crap!! Do I think he is a good actor I don’t know but he had his moments just let it go! I think he has a good soul and that’s ok with me!
Are they arrogant are they full of themselves he j I don’t know they are suppose to entertain you tell stories it is all make believe it’s not real it is escape etc etc that’s it !
I think Eric Braeden from y &r is probably one of the best In the industry but that’s me
K
I can not speak for anyone other than myself for the remarks made about Maurice being “the star” of GH. I was just doing a little needle work, which in hindsight , now seems insensitive. In good conscience though K, what you said about buying votes wasn’t nice either. I guess we have to think before we speak, huh?
Maurice Benard : opening line on “any” speech… is how humble he is
it’s hard to believe that he, laura Wright, Chad Duell, and “Josselyn” don’t know that they always have that foot up and REEL far more than the rest of the cast… leaving every one else in supporting. once again, maurice benard won this emmy because of; Mr. Max Gail. it’s time for Maurice benard to think retirement.. however he is meant to fold back in to Port Charles… does he now have to fight his wife to get his empire back in order ? or has he retired, turned the other cheek, found the lord jesus christ ? it’s certainly not going any where w/ Nina . gee thanks for trying. Maurice benard, does admit that acting is hard. i’m not seeing any transition worth his stature, his worth
he’s been at the top of the heap for so long… I think the actor, is tired.. and is trying other outlets… gee, there we go again… Frank Valentini will do every thing in his power… to give the dullard Corinthos’ that outlet… along with the dead on arrival; Michael Easton and Roger Howarth…. KEEP PETER DEAD
the other embarrassment and truly laugh out loud was MB WIN… and Miss Bold and the Beautiful… a channeled story of opiod addiction… this barbie doll brought more laughs… and made it funny.
Genie Francis … was robbed pure and simple, it was Wally kurth who should have won best leading Man. c’est la vie
congrats to 2 of my picks… Victoria Konefal AND Cady McClain… had hoped for a Wally Kurth and Tamara Brawn , James Patrick Stuart WIN. i’m ok with Max Gail and Marla Adams take home the gold. once again it’s the leads who sucked the life out of this genre. so forgettable
I cannot say I do not like Maurice because I do not know him. However, I can say, I do not like Sonny. I do not like Carly. I do not like Michael. They act holier than thou while cheating or committing crimes. They wear many faces. I just get the feeling that these people are supposedly soap royalty?
Well, sooner or later, they must come down their high horses and face the fact that they live in a make-believe world—
Genie Francis is the true Queen, as far as I’m concerned.
Again—-we do think alike—Victoria and Cady—-applause and then some.
Aside—-what the heck are these writers doing? Carly and Jason together? Holy cow!!! Please NO!! My stomach is heaving…..
I agree. Seems like winners kniew ahead of time. But d/t circumstances in COVID times, they did the best they could. I am looking forward to hopefully a live one next year on CBS. I remember when the daytime emmys used to air in daytime.
“…emmys used to air in daytime.” So do I. And originally on a boat around Manhattan!!!
I haven’t finished watching. I have about an hour left. Did the winners know in advance that they won? I enjoyed Diamond’s song. I wondered why they didn’t have more people comment on Larry and Regis when they had quite a few for Alex.
I did not like the host. I fast forwarded through a lot of her stuff.
Congratulations to the winners, especially Cady, Victoria, Jacqui, Marla. I only watch Y&R, B&B, and Days.
I’m glad it was on TV.
Okay, one more bite at the apple (because I can’t help myself)…
You know, when I first noticed this thread about the Emmy acceptance speeches, I became quite emotional, and I didn’t think I could write anything that would do the topic justice. But then Michael Fairman said to me, “Jamesj75, you’re the star of this website! We need you to write something that we can enjoy.”
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Now James…
I’m fine with you being “the star” as long as I get to keep wearing black t shirts and jeans to work and get nominated in the lead category (although I always seem to be supporting you or Violet.)
Hope you’re enjoying your other life on the Pennsylvania side of the river.
Steve! Thanks for playing along! And thank you for making me laugh. I look forward to more laughs…
Jamesj75
O.k James, if you’re angling for another award, you got it, pull it in. Now we want that acceptance speech that WE deserve for these awards given you.
Also, thank you Steve for the nod, unless there’s some other old broad you were speaking of.
Violet, you are a sweetheart for playing along also! Putting a humorous spin on this situation is probably more productive than my initial (negative) remarks. And I won’t speak for our friend, Steve, but how could there be any other Violet?!?!?!
Come on James, you know she’s the 4th Violet. The 1st two later came back with other screen names. The 3rd couldn’t cut it and lasted just a few months.
James, still emerging from the self-imposed news blackout that I place myself in whenever I’m hopelessly behind but I couldn’t let this one go without comment, it was just brilliant, so funny! Add another emoji for the smile it brought to me. I’m current on episodes, unless you count the episodes from 2012 that I’m watching (the year my DVR died), but I’m still getting through GH threads. Speaking of which, I followed you to the DOOL “Possession” thread and really enjoyed the exchange on GH history among you, Steve, and Satan. Wow! Blown away by the recall, knowledge, passion, and humor. All the best, friend!
Worst acceptance speech was Maurice Benard’s “star of the show” speech. Why can’t a show called General Hospital be about the hospital rather than this “lovable mobster” who everybody just adores because, Sonny is by far my least favorite character ever in daytime drama.
My favorite speech was Marla Adams’s for Supporting Actress. Even though she didn’t know she had won she was nevertheless overjoyed and full of happiness! She started in daytime on The Secret Storm in 1966. I am so glad she was recognized for her superb performance as Dina on Y&R. Victoria Konefal and Cady McClain gave excellent speeches as well.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.
Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?
Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

Photo: JPI
DIMERA RIVALRY
After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”
As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Photo: JPI
BELLE OF MY HEART
With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”
Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.
“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart. I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”
But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”
MAKING CHAD HIS OWN
Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Photo: JPI
ICONIC
When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.
“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know? We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.
“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”
Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.
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