Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Monday afternoon, Extra kicked-off the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations with the reveal of two major categories. First, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and second, Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host.
Previous Emmy winners all, the men who will be vying for daytime’s most coveted prize are: Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless, Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), General Hospital, Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful, Thorsten Kaye (Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Christian Jules Le Blanc (Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless.
Let’s take a look at the actors Emmy resumes: Eric Braeden has been nominated nine times for Lead Actor and won once in 1998. Steve Burton is a two-time Daytime Emmy winner, both in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category for GH as Jason Morgan and Y&R as Dylan McAvoy. Today’s nomination makes it his 10th overall, and his third time in the the Lead Actor category.
Photo: NATAS
Scott Clifton has won three times previously in 2011, 2013 and 2017 and has the distinction of being the only actor to win in Younger Actor, Supporting and Lead. This is his 8th nomination.
Thorsten Kaye is a two-time Lead Actor winner in 2023 and 2024. Christian LeBlanc has also won three times as Lead Actor in 2005, 2007 and 2009 and this is his first nod in over a decade.
Photo: NBCUniversal
TALK SHOW HOSTS
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host, the nominees are: Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Ana Navarro, The View, Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall, Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and Sherri Shepherd, Sherri.
Both The Kelly Clarkson Show and Sherri have come to their conclusions as Sherri was canceled after 4 seasons and Kelly Clarkson decided to end her talk show after 7 seasons.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are set to be handed out in a ceremony on October 30 in Hollywood with more details forthcoming. The complete list of 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations will be revealed tomorrow on July 14 beginning at 12pm ET/9am PT via The Emmys.TV social channels and website.
So, what do you think of the race for Lead Actor in a Drama Series? Surprised by any of the nominees? Who are you rooting for? What do you think about the the talk show host category? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Christian LeBlanc in the lead actor category??? Thorsten Kaye did not have a banner year. I certainly hope Clifton Davis is on the supporting actor list.
1. Victor’s Attorney and Closest Friend
Michael remained Victor Newman’s trusted attorney, adviser, and confidant. As Victor’s obsession with Aristotle Dumas and later Cane Ashby intensified, Michael repeatedly challenged Victor’s decisions while trying to remain loyal to the man he considered family.
2. Michael Chooses His Conscience
After months of defending Victor’s increasingly ruthless actions, Michael finally reached his breaking point.
Unable to compromise his integrity any longer, he resigned as Victor’s attorney. Their emotional confrontation became one of the defining scenes of Michael’s year as he chose his principles over blind loyalty.
3. The Aristotle Dumas / Cane Ashby Story
Michael investigated Aristotle Dumas for Victor, traveled to France, witnessed Cane Ashby’s shocking reveal, and became deeply involved in the corporate war that followed.
As the conflict escalated, Michael constantly found himself caught between friendship, ethics, and professional responsibility.
4. Working for Cane
Following his split with Victor, Michael accepted a position as Cane Ashby’s attorney.
The decision stunned Genoa City and forced Michael to defend his actions while questioning whether he had truly escaped one powerful client for another.
5. Marriage Under Pressure
Michael’s loyalty to Victor—and later his decision to work for Cane—placed enormous strain on his marriage.
Lauren repeatedly worried that Michael’s devotion to powerful men would eventually destroy their relationship. Their arguments were mature, layered, and deeply personal, reflecting the struggles of a couple with decades of shared history.
6. Michael and Lauren’s 20th Wedding Anniversary
One of the year’s highlights was the special standalone episode celebrating Michael and Lauren’s 20th wedding anniversary.
To surprise Lauren, Michael recreated his original marriage proposal at the Genoa City Athletic Club. The episode featured extensive flashbacks to their love story—from their engagement and wedding to surviving Sheila Carter, raising Fenmore, and overcoming countless obstacles together. Michael reminded Lauren that, despite everything they had endured, she was still the love of his life.
Did Christian LeBlanc’s PR person write this? I mean this was basically an exhaustive persuasive essay.
I understand that, but he is seldom on screen and hasn’t had a major storyline in years. Christian Jules LeBlanc is a fantastic actor and I hope the new writing regimen places him front and center, because he is being wasted. For the Daytime Emmys to be taken seriously, they need to stop the block voting and have a committee that actually watches the performances of the reels being submitted.
On Y&R, Michael Baldwin has had minimal screen time. I can’t think of what material he could be have used.
Genuinely shocked at these nominations. Steve Burton and Scott Clifton are the only two I could think of earning the win for this if their nominated material is what I think it is. Shocked not a single Beyond the Gates actor earned a nomination, though.
And Kelly Clarkson for the win for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host.
No way! I love me some Kelly but it’s Sherri’s win!!
i would say that Clifton Davis deserved a nod and Dan F for days love leblanc but not getting it
Burton had some great material around Monica’s death plus some emotional stuff with Britt. It’s either him or Scott Clifton to win.
How LeBlanc got a nomination over Cameron Mathison (who dominated story all year) is a head scratcher.
Steve did absolutely beautiful work with the death of Monica so I would give it to him. GH is the only soap I watch so I can’t speak for the other nominees.
Christian LeBlanc is NOT a lead performer and this category fraud is beyond ridiculous! It robs an actual lead performer from an Emmy nomination when they submit in the wrong category.
These nominations are awful! CBS clearly bloc-voted. I don’t even like Steve Burton and he is the best of these five nominees. Eric Braeden is always the same. Scott Clifton already has 3 Emmys, and Thorsten Kaye somehow has two. With CBS dominating you would think a Beyond the Gates lead male would be on the list but no. Very unhappy with these nominations.
I agree! Eric Braden can’t act. He’s one dimensional. Yet, somehow, he has fans who think he can walk on water! Ridiculous!! Yes, Clifton Davis should have been recognized.
I totally agree about Clifton Davis. For me, this race is between Steve Burton and Scott Clifton.
This is my analysis…
LEAD ACTOR
Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B)
This is the performance to beat!!!
Why he’ll win:
* Brain tumor diagnosis.
* Facing death.
* Saying goodbye to Hope.
* Saying goodbye to Steffy.
* Scenes about Kelly and Beth.
* Being shot.
* Experimental surgery.
This is almost a textbook Emmy reel.
It has:
* fear,
* acceptance,
* heartbreak,
* physical acting,
* vulnerability.
Why he might not:
* The material borders on melodrama.
* If the reel packs in too many “big” moments, some judges may prefer something more restrained.
⸻
Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)
Why he’ll win:
* Quitting Victor.
* Working for Cane.
* Marriage falling apart.
* Michael and Lauren’s 20th wedding anniversary.
* Recommitting himself to Lauren.
This may actually be the best constructed reel in the category because it has:
Beginning—
Michael losing himself.
Middle—
Conflict with Victor and Lauren.
Ending—
Rediscovering what matters most.
It’s beautifully human.
Why he might not:
* It’s quieter.
* There aren’t explosions, kidnappings, shootings, or terminal illnesses.
* Some judges naturally gravitate toward flashier performances.
⸻
Steve Burton (Jason, GH)
Why he’ll win:
* Protecting Sasha.
* Pretending to be the baby’s father.
* Drew confrontations.
* Carly scenes.
* Family loyalty.
Steve’s strength has always been emotional restraint.
Why he might not:
* Jason rarely breaks emotionally.
* Compared to Clifton and LeBlanc, the range may appear narrower.
⸻
4. Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R)
Why he’ll win:
* Aristotle Dumas.
* Cane reveal.
* France.
* Family leadership.
Nobody commands a scene quite like Eric.
Why he might not:
* Victor spends most scenes controlling everyone else.
* He doesn’t often become emotionally vulnerable.
⸻
5. Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, B&B)
Why he’ll win:
* Brooke breakup.
* Taylor reunion.
* Forrester takeover.
Thorsten is incredibly nuanced.
Why he might not:
* Compared to Scott Clifton’s life-and-death story, Ridge’s emotional stakes may not feel as immediate.
* He also won two Lead Actor Emmys in 2023 and 2024, and while judges are instructed to evaluate only the submitted performance, repeat winners can sometimes face a higher bar simply because expectations are so high.
I think Steve is a shoe in to win because his was about his mom
I’m not going to say that Burton won’t win I think they all want to win. nomination or a win; A lot of people misunderstand how the Daytime Emmy acting categories work. There isn’t a separate round of voting to choose the winners. During the peer-judging process, fellow actors in the daytime television community watch each submitted reel (up to 15 minutes) and score the performances. Those scores determine both the nominees and the winner at the same time. The highest-scoring performances become the nominees, and the performance with the highest overall score wins the Emmy. Judges are evaluating only the submitted reel—not an actor’s entire year, popularity, social media following, fan support, or career achievements. Instead, they’re looking at the quality of the performance: emotional truth, authenticity, range, chemistry with scene partners, storytelling, character development, and whether the actor fully commits to the material. That’s why a great year doesn’t always guarantee a nomination or a win. In the end, it all comes down to how that 15-minute reel resonates with their fellow actors.
You again. This sounds like Soul less AI.
Why isn’t Greg Riarrt nominated? He is the very best actor on any of the shows He makes you want to watch , none of those nominated come close to his acting, I was so glad he left YR, cool gave him. the opertunity to show what he can do.
Steve Burton gh
I’m pulling for Sherri Shepherd to win for Best Talk Show Host.
I second that !!
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.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmys Gold & Silver Circle Inductees: Francesca James, Patrika Darbo and Meredith Vieira Among Those Being Honored
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, October 8, the 2026 Gold & Silver Circle Inductees who will be celebrated at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, October 30.
This year’s honor roll features industry professionals that have made contributions across daytime television, including daytime dramas, talk shows, comedy, and more.
The Gold inductees include: Meredith Vieira (former c0-host of The View, journalist and EP and CEO, Meredith Vieira Productions),Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy, Days of our Lives and Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful, soon to be seen reprising her role of Shirley on Y&R), three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (ex-Kitty/Kelly, All My Children, and ex-Marcy Wade, One Life to Live, plus director and/or producer at All My Children, General Hospital, Loving, Santa Barbara et al), and finally Byron Allen (Founder, Chairman & CEO Allen Media Group).
It should be noted that Vieira made guest appearances on both All My Children and General Hospital throughout her career. On GH, she played madam Bree Flanders in 2003 and 2012. She also appeared as a wedding planner on All My Children back in 2001.
Photo: NATAS
The Silver inductees are: Stephen Brown (VP Programming and Development, Fox Television Stations) and Rubin Ervin (Announcer/Warm-Up Host for Family Feud, The Bachelor and more).The Gold and Silver Circle Society Inductees are deemed by NATAS as “exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.”
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS shared, “This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry. We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”
MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMYS
NATAS previously announced that soap opera icon Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s ceremonies.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys will be held at the historic Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
The annual 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.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.
So, what do you think of this year’s Gold & Silver Inductees? Happy to see some of the names that will be recognized on October 30? Who in the future who has had enduring contributions to daytime television or the soap opera genre, would you like to see receive these honors in years to come? Let us know via the comment section below.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Parry Shen and Lydia Look Make a Return to ‘General Hospital’
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Recaps6 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
General Hospital1 week agoParry Shen and Lydia Look Make a Return to ‘General Hospital’
-
Beyond the Gates1 day agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-
Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-
General Hospital6 days agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Actress Jen Jacob Reveals Pregnancy
