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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 !!
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
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News2 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews3 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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