Breaking News
52nd Annual Daytime Emmys: Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series Nominees
Ahead of Thursday’s full list of nominations for the upcoming 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, some of the major categories were announced on Wednesday via several syndicated television entertainment/news programs including: Entertainment Tonight, Extra and Access Hollywood.
NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) will unveil the rest of the nominations on Thursday at 12pm ET/9 am PT via their account on X @TheEmmys or TheEmmysTV.
Meanwhile, Extra got the exclusive to reveal the nominees in the Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actress. In a very competitive year, the field of leading ladies going for gold will be six; four from the The Young and the Restless and two from General Hospital.
Photo: JPI
Here are the nominees in the Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series:
Sharon Case (Sharon Newman, The Young and the Restless)
Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson, The Young and the Restless)
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis, General Hospital)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers, The Young and the Restless)
Laura Wright (Carly Spencer, General Hospital)
In the category of Outstanding Lead Performance in A Daytime Drama Series: Actress, 5 of the 6 nominees are past Emmy winners and some a few times over, with only Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan as the lone actress who has yet to get the gold after 7 previous nominations.
Photo: JPI
In addition, Sharon Case won in 1999 for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Eileen Davidson has won two previous Daytime Emmys in the Lead Actress category: one for her work on Days of our Lives as Kristen in 2014, and one for her performances as Ashley on The Young and the Restless in 2018.
Nancy Lee Grahn had won two Supporting Actress Emmys, the first in a tie with AMC’s Debbi Morgan in 1989 for Santa Barbara and the second for her role as Alexis on General Hospital in 2012. Michelle Stafford was last year’s winner in the Outstanding Lead Actress category, while she previously won 1997 and 2004. GH’s Laura Wright took home the gold in 2011 for Lead Actress.
So, who are you rooting for to win the Daytime Emmy in the Lead Actress category? Is there an actress you think was snubbed from this list? Share your thoughts in the comment section You can check out Extra’s official announcement of the nominees in this category below.
“Extra” has the honor of announcing the 52nd #DaytimeEmmys nominees for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress & Outstanding Instructional/How-To Program!@DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/PbD087GBVs
— ExtraTV (@extratv) July 9, 2025
Melissa Clare Egan and Eileen Davidson are the two head scratchers here! The young and the restless has been a snore and I’ll give case and Stafford credit they preformed in there storyline but 4 actresses from one show I don’t get it
Eileen Davidson was used pretty heavily in 2024 with the Dissociative Identity Disorder storyline, and Melissa Claire Egan with the mental health one, as well.
I thought the mental health one was year prior I guess this late voting has been thrown off
Sharon Case, Eileen Davidson, or Nancy Lee Grahn for Outstanding Lead Actress. However, I am disappointed Rebekah Elmaloglou did not receive a well-deserved nomination for her work as Terese Willis on Neighbours (which got unfairly ignored).
Chelsea made the suicide attempt on October, 2022. She dealt with the subsequent mental health issues in 2023 which earned her an Emmy nomination. In 2024, she did nothing but engage in rapid and breathless speech about Connor and bore the heck out of viewers with the forced pairing with Adam.
I think it’s Nancy Lee Grahn’s year, but if for some reason she doesn’t get the award (crap happens all the time at the Daytime Emmys, and it wouldn’t be the first time viewers were left running around thinking, “How is that even possible?”), I’d be delighted to see Sharon Case win. In my opinion, she’s overdue.
This is my take on it as well. NLG deserves to win, and Sharon Case is my alternative choice. But for gosh sake give it to Nancy!!!!
This should wind down to Grahn vs Case. Are Davidson and Egan really leads? Surprised not to see MTS as a nominee and grateful not to see JMW again.
As for Wright, Carly started out 2024 in a moribund relationship with a (then) dull Drew. She did flourish with Mesure’s Brennan. Just wondering what reels she submitted.
West turned s**t into sugar with what she was given during the brief Mulcahey period. That alone was worthy of accolades.
Egan shouldn’t even be considered
I swear the voters are not up to date on their soap watching. Laura Wright, Melissa Clare, Eileen Davidson Eagan and Michelle Stafford are all solid actresses but haven’t had any compelling storylines in the last couple of years at all. The only one who makes sense in the best actress category is Nancy Lee Grahn. Cynthia Watros and Finola Hughes should have been given an Emmy nod. It’s as if the voters are on automatic pilot.
Thinking way back to January of 2024, Wright could have submitted her work around Bobbie’s memorial.
I’m a bit surprised that Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki; YR) was snubbed unless she didn’t submit.
Susan Seaforth Hayes also deserved a best actress nomination for Julie on Days of our Lives. Her work playing the loss of Doug mirrored her real life loss of Bill. I am not suggesting the other nominees did not deserve theirs, but Susan should have been honored as well. The difficulty and gravity of the scenes were heartbreaking and Susan played the storyline beautifully.
Susan should be nominated in the Supporting Actress category and would be the runaway favorite to win. Tune in tomorrow to find out…
I have read – I don’t know if it’s true – that Susan submitted in lead this year.
Pulling for the CBS gals.
9 years in a row for CBS to win is beyond obnoxious! It is Nancy’s year, she was PHENOMENAL!
All the same boring people
This should be Nancy’s year.
I have a clear favorite, she must win and that is Nancy Lee Grahn. She was AMAZING in her storylines in 2024, consistently brilliant! She has never won Lead Actress – twice in supporting for two different shows.
I am so sick of CBS winning in this category every single darn year! Enough already! 4 Y&R actresses? I can only hope that Cynthia Watros and Maura West didn’t submit, which would explain their not being among the nominees.
My second choice is Sharon Case – she was fantastic and I am so glad she is nominated. I would be o.k. with her winning but NLG deserves it.
I suspect Melissa Claire Egan will become the most nominated actress without a win – I think this is her 8th nomination?
This is the nominee I most care about this year: Nancy Lee Grahn! I really want her to win!
Surprised to see Eileen in Lead Actress as I don’t think she drove enough story for enough of the year. Congrats to the Sharon, Michelle, Eileen, and Melissa.
Nancy Lee Grahn for the win. Her material this past year was heart-wrenching. She is consistently at the top of her game.
And for those of you who don’t like her politics, please don’t dismiss her based on your differences. Look at her acting and then I’m sure you’ll agree this year’s award should be hers.
If Nancy Grahn we’ll have to endure anti Donald Trump anti America anti Christian anti men anti everything tirade
Let’s hope Sharon Case wins who deserves it
Oh then, I’m really rooting for Nancy!
I’m rooting for Beyond Them Gates
“Beyond Them Gates” Dottie? Really? I hear your dog whistle and it’s offensive. Moreover, as you are well aware, Beyond the Gates did not air until February of 25, therefore, not eligible.
Beyond Them Gates is my favorite show child. It’s like Brewsta Place
No it’s nothing like Brewster Place. Tell, me Dottie, what thread count do you prefer on the sheets you wear? Nevertheless, I see you.
I wear B Smith designa sheets child
Just how is NLG anti-America? Please be specific.
Her’s will be the most eagerly anticipated speech of the night.
The award is based on performance.
I’m not a fan of hers but I don’t deny her talent I loved her on Santa Barbara it’s her politics that are annoying
That’s a totally fair evaluation. Doesn’t mean she’s anti-America.
Dottie and fair don’t belong in the same sentence.
Your president is more annoying.
Melody does not submit has not for a long time . She has been in the business a long time she does not need a so called trophy to prove her worth to daytime . She is probably the only actress I know that has the guts to go without makeup etc
Also Nancy should be judged on her acting nothing else leave her alone ! She has her beliefs we are all entitled to them this is what makes our country great let her speak I don’t agree with her but I respect her it’s her right!
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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