News
CONFIRMED: Daytime Emmy Award Nomination Rule Changes!
Courtesy/NATAS
National Academy of Arts and Sciences spokesperson confirmed to Nelson Branco’s Soap Opera Uncensored, a major overhaul of the beleaguered Daytime Emmy award nomination process. Most of the changes have been approved and are ready to be implemented while some will be integrated over the course of the next two years.
Here is a rundown of the new rules. Thank God. Some change! Because, this was getting ridiculous. Now the question, will this work and even the playing field? Or, somehow back-fire? Emmy voting changes …
- There is no limit to how many actors from one show can submit their name for Emmy consideration in the pre-nomination round in a category. For example, 10 actresses from General Hospital can submit themselves for Lead Actress contention.
- Pre-nominee hopefuls will submit an edited two-minute reel consisting of one scene from one episode reflecting their best work from the calendar year.
- Judging pre-nominees hopefuls will be conducted online only on a NATAS website over 4 weeks instead of 2. Members of the Academy will choose their top 10 choices from 1 (being the best) to 10 — regardless of what show they are employed on. The ballot will not include names or pictures of the hopeful candidates. Anonymous live links to their work will only be shown. In other words, voters will have to click on each link to find out who they are voting for — and most importantly, view the candidate’s work. Translation: Blind voting for members’ friends or well-known names is seemingly over.
- An actor can still submit more than one role in the same category.
- The top 10 pre-nominees from each category will be announced on March 2, 2012.
- In the final round of judging, a blue ribbon panel will be chosen to judge each of the final pre-noms, who will submit one full episode from the calendar year on DVD. Next year, NATAS will propose 15 minutes of work from as many episodes as they like and viewed online much like this year’s pre-nomination voting session. Why not this year? The spokesperson elaborated: “We asked AMC, while they were putting together their reels, to give us some sample submissions with scenes from multiple episodes, so that it would lend weight to our argument and be able to let the awards committee view, and see how important it is for an actor to show a broader range of work. One thing we were told was that pulling from multiple episodes would be asking too much of shows, but AMC proved that wrong by quite easily working with the actors and putting together a couple of sample reels for us, quite quickly since they were about to wrap! We’re working on that change for next year — as you can see!”
- A guest star category will more than likely be re-introduced in 2013. Over the years, members have suspiciously voted against bringing back the guest star category; but with so many recurring statuses and/or stunt casting enveloping the daytime dial, the Academy is finally reflecting the changing daytime landscape.
- Final nominees will be announced on May 4. The ceremony will take place sometime in June. And it looks “good” that they will air on broadcast television, shares the spokesperson. Moreover, he adds that a very cool plan to reinvent the ceremony may be in the works as well. Stay tuned.
Also, when Uncensored asked if dramatic web actors could submit themselves in the mainstream categories (Best Actress/Supporting Actor/Directing, etc.) — especially since the number of broadcast soaps have decreased significantly in recent years and the quality of acting online is as top drawer as on the tube — NATAS answered: “That’s a good question! There is nothing in the rules that prevents web actors from entering in the main broadcast categories!”
So what do you think of the new Emmy voting process revisions? Let us know!
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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This new system can’t hurt. It couldn’t get any worse than it was. Too bad its too late for AMC/OLTL
It doesnt matter, not anymore.
Is it even going to matter ??
In the next two years ALL soaps will probably no longer exist.
Yes.. all seems just a little too late with only 4 soap on TV once Jan 13 2012 passes….
Deb, AMC and OLTL have this coming year’s show to qualify for. At least their last year has a chance of getting a real chance it seems.
It’s long overdue and hopefully just the beginning.
Seems pretty complicated. Who has all that time to do all of that. While change is always welcoming, they have to be careful that their change isn’t too complicated and time consuming.
I welcome any changes that will be fairer and will represent genuine excellence and achievement. The Daytime Emmys have lost their luster, evidenced by the networks’ indifference, some odd choices for the winner’s circle, and poor award show production. (Sorry, the last few have been so poor in presenting the daytime landscape, instead serving as a Las Vegas informercial.) For series, I would like to see regard for overall presentation, not specific episodes. I guess we’ll see what happens. As always, I hope for th ebest… and I hope AMC and OLTL will not be forgotten when nominations are considered.
Still think they should just merge the two emmy ceremonies. No changes will be all that good if the ceremony is still all about Vegas, Feed the Children commercials (no offense) and a bunch non-soap daytime programming.
At least if you merge it with primetime, it will get more recognition and potential new fans with the primetime audience who may be curious about the winners.
It’s about time they revamped these rules! It was ridiculous how politcally driven the Daytime Emmys were and how by and in large the last thing that was considered was true talent and people’s body of work for that year! Thank God that seems to be over! Fingers crossed!