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Daytime Emmys Add New Category: ‘Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series’ Eligibility Details Revealed
Last year. during the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards season, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences made the decision to drop the Outstanding Younger Performer category in a Daytime Drama series.
Over the decades, the title and qualifications for the category had shifted because of the age range of the actors in the category and it had often been the center of controversy. Knowing it needed to somehow rebrand and rebuild the category to offer more opportunities for performers on the soaps, NATAS has now greenlit a new category for the upcoming 2025 competition, entitled “Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series.”
NATAS’ Rachel Schwartz (pictured below), the Head of Daytime and Children & Family Emmy Awards, gave the inside intel on the new category to TV Insider, which come October’s Emmy ceremony will honor those who are appearing on your favorites soaps in their first roles.
Photo: JPI
Explaining why the ‘Younger’ category was dropped last year, Schwartz commented, “There just were not enough entries to consider it a viable category any longer. But it was never really our desire to remove a chance for some of the amazing on-screen talent in daytime to receive an Emmy.”
According to Schwartz, the new category will be for performers who specifically are on their first daytime contract, so there is not necessarily an age parameter with it. However, she noted, “I do imagine that some of the people that enter into the category will be on the younger end of the spectrum.”
Now, as to how you can qualify for the category, Schwartz explained that there will be a limit as to the timeline for qualifying entrants, in that, performers are only eligible for the first 2 years that they appear on their respective shows. In addition, actors can only win the category one time, because at that point they would not be considered as an ‘”emerging” talent.
Other key eligibility factors include: 1) Performer needs to have a speaking role and have at least one continuous story arc 2) The performer can be on the show for up to two years and also enter the category for those two years – unless they win ( as noted above). 3) After the eligibility window has expired, they are still eligible to enter the ‘Lead’ or’ Supporting’ categories, if they remain on their program.
Photo: CBS
From 2020-2023, which were the last years the Outstanding Younger Performer category was presented and when the competition became gender neutral, Olivia Rose Keegan (ex-Claire, DAYS), Victoria Konefal (Ciara, DAYS), Nicholas Alexander Chavez (ex-Spencer, GH) and Eden McCoy (Josslyn, GH) were named the winners.
Previously from 1985-2019, the category was split by gender, Outstanding Younger Actor and Outstanding Younger Actress, where the winners included the likes of: Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan, GH) Chandler Massey (ex-Will, DAYS), Tom Pelphrey (ex-Jonathan, GL), Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R), Hayley Erin (ex-Kiki, GH, now Claire, Y&R) and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle, GH) and many more.
The 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards which moved to October this year, are still without a broadcast partner, according to Schwartz. In addition, NATAS has yet to release its deadline for submissions for this year’s competition, or when the nominations will be announced. Michael Fairman TV will continue to keep you updated as developments warrant.
So, excited to hear that there will be a new acting category for the upcoming 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think might be a good contender given the guidelines for Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Front runner for the first award is Kristen Vaganos (Molly/GH).
If I were Kristen and or team, I’d encourage her to go straight to supporting actress… that award/nomination will do more for her than an emerging “talent” nom/award… She is a gem and a half, in her first full year, Kristen has KILLED IT. She has great material for a nomination and a win. I believe supporting would actually serve her better and her career has huge potential. And, she‘s making films! Kristen, you do you!
Normally, I might agree. But, Kristen could not win Supporting Actress this year as Susan Seaforth Hayes is a lock in that category.
Unfortunately, the odds of Susan Seaforth Hayes winning are quite low in fact. As much as I enjoy the actress over the years, she’s been nominated six times for daytime Emmy awards in Lead and Supporting, respectively.
However, 2018 she “Won” the Life Time Achievement Award (shared with the late Billy Hayes). It’s my opinion that this year the category is too fierce and Susan is Susan just like Susan Lucci is Susan… you win some, or you lose some…
Besides, I watch Days & General Hospital only… both soaps have had powerhouse performances and very noteworthy contenders:
(Not in any particular order)
Supporting Actress:
1) Kristen Vaganos (GH)
2) Jane Elliot (GH)
3) Eva LaRue (GH)
4) Kelly Monaco (GH)
5) Elia Cantu (DAYS)
6) Tina Huang (DAYS)
(For kicks & giggles)
Lead Actress:
1) Brook Kerr (GH)
2) Tamara Braun (DAYS)
3) Ari Zucker (DAYS)
4) Genie Francis (GH)
5) Cynthia Watros (GH)
The Emmy nominations (and wins) all rely on what reels (2 episodes) the performer submits. SSH has the moving scenes related to her real-life husband’s passing, including the eulogy she mostly wrote herself. Hard to beat that.
As for those you list, how you could possibly leave out Nancy Lee Grahn and her powerful performance after Sam’s death is a glaring omission. She has a good chance of breaking the GH dry streak in winning the lead actress category.
I love Nancy, I love Maura, I love Laura, I love Finola, however, sometimes… actors on a whole, remain safe in their usual depictions… I was hoping I’d be all fired up for Nancy and even Kate Mansi, however, I didn’t get what I was expecting. Characters die like almost every week in soaps and the tears and anger/pain becomes the same, and feels stale.
Kristin Vaganos surprised me, she barely worked with Kelly Monaco but I was in awe of her depiction of losing her sister, I felt a connection that doesn’t seem mundane. I suppose that with SSH… it’s all the same…
Vaganos gave us so much more, I feel… the loss of her baby, Sam, the end of the LTR with TJ. Like I said, I love Nancy, Maura, Laura and Finola… here’s an example what I will to articulate with Jane Elliott, she is a force, her work is very specific and nuanced…
Since Jane returned (out of retirement)… Tracey’s journey with friendships and bonds with Gregory, (Finn), and Violet… the character has evolved quite a bit… she’s still typical Tracey, however, the character is in a new place… we see a softer side to her, bonds with Cody, getting her nails done with the Q ladies… Tracey is lighter which allows Jane to go to new place in her craft, allows her to tap into areas that are different yet challenging. So, I saw a journey with Tracey, I saw a journey with newbie, Kristin Vagonas (only in her first year)… I guess, I am noticing work that is newer, fresher, new, different…not all the same. Don’t get me wrong, I believe GH has quite the talented ensemble.
Here’s another example (for different reasons) Maurice Bernard – he’s cruising and phoning it in the past year. I get the actor is having mental health difficulties, and the show wouldn’t recast Sonny, unless it was short-lived and if Maurice needed a few months. I respect Maurice for talking about his mental health challenges. With that said, would I want to see him on the list for nominations for Best Actor, no way. He’s dragging his feet and I can see it, he’s a fab actor when he’s on, the past year, I am feeling dull and banal performances. Sonny is going though his next chapter of life, and Sonny is slowing down, but I don’t feel energy in Maurice’s scenes. So, point is, there’s nothing new or fresh with the actor.
I hope all I wrote out makes sense. I’m a trained actor and I get it, acting is a bloody craft. With that said, the BEST (actor, actresses) who get nominated need to BE the BEST in their body of work.
In a perfect world, the Daytime Emmys would go on body of work. However, a performer can stink up the joint for most of the year and find 2 promising episodes that they submit for Emmy consideration – and that is what the awards are based on.
Most performers do base what category they submit in (lead or supporting) based on what they’ve done in the eligibility period. For example, on GH, Wally Kurth would be supporting most years. In 2023, however, he submitted in lead as the Ned/Eddie plot line drove story most of that year.
Through the years, both Nancy and Genie have submitted in either category.
No argument on Jane. She doesn’t like to submit for consideration. The last time Frank convinced her, she lost to less worthy competitors. She’ll be coming up for lifetime consideration soon and should definitely get that honor.
Also agree on Mo. Who else for 2024 from GH could be considered lead? Burton returned in March, but was a talk-to for much of the year. DZ has submitted in Lead before, so that’s a slight possibility.
Susan has taken her real life story and brought it to life! this year has been banner for her . Honestly if her peers love her as much as the audience does she has more of a chance than you think! I would think it an insult that a GH newcomer would take that over a veteran such as Susan Seaforth Hayes especially since Susan has delivered daily and her journey has hit all the beats
Expect the unexpected
With all due respect, why is Eva LaRue on this list? I can’t recall one standout performance, and she’s come off as monotone, stiff and wooden. Yes, I hate her character but LaRue lacks the acting prowess that say, Maura West has to pull out the nuances that might make viewers like her despite her flaws. Her appearance thus far has been a colossal flop.
I would prefer the older way – Best Young Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor. GH has done a great job with the younger generation. Molly, Rocco and Danny are all amazing.
No offense, but this category is plain stupid, if I was a performer and won in that category I would never own up to it publicly. Emerging Talent sounds like a pre award to a the big award, jeez are they giving them mini Emmy to go along with their “Emerging talent” ?
Funny – now that you brought it up… the title does have the “Best Newcomer Award” vibe that the Golden Globes notoriously gave to Pia Zadora.
The globes also gave the same award to Richard Burton Natalie Wood and Paul Newman just to name a few
I totally agree with you. I’m a working actor and emerging doesn’t sound like a solid award. I wouldn’t submit myself to the emerging if I had the choice. These Emmy people get paid a lot of money to what..:. Change the names of categories…, I’ll take that job!
They need to revert back to Best Younger (both genders) or Younger Actor & Younger Actress. If I was a younger actor and won an Emmy, hands down, I’d want to be for Best Younger Actor…. Not emerging! How does emerging sound on the resume for those who submit who are 30+? Sounds silly and weird. Emmy people do your job and stop fixing what ain’t broke.
By that logic, Genie Francis would have been ineligible by the time Laura killed David Hamilton or battled Bobbie over Scotty, which would have been insanely unfair. I get that they’re trying hard to come up with something workable, but I don’t think this is it.
Probably Laura Wright will get it.
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.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards have just concluded on Friday night, October 30, and it was ABC’s General Hospital who took home the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series for the sixth time in row. Executive Producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of the show.
Beyond the Gates scored its first two acting honors in the young history of the show. Veteran actress, Tamara Tunie won her first ever Emmy for Lead Actress a Daytime Drama Series for her performances as Anita Dupree, while Ambyr Michelle took home the gold in the Emerging Talent category.
Scott Clifton won his fourth Daytime Emmy overall, and second Lead Actor Emmy for his heart-tugging performance as Liam Spencer, who believed he was battling an inoperable brain tumor, only for it to turn out to be medical ruse to bilk Liam’s father out of $1 million dollars.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
DECADES BETWEEN BETH MAITLAND AND ROGER HOWARTH LAST EMMY WIN
In the Supporting Actor and Actress categories, Daytime Emmy history was made with Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless) winning her second Emmy 41 years since she won her first won, and Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) following suit for the men with his coming 32 years after he won in 1994 for One Life to Live.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
Jeff Kober picked up his second Daytime Emmy win for his role as Cyrus Renault on General Hospital in the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series category. He previously won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role in 2022, following a nomination in the same category in 2021.
The Kelly Clarkson Show, meanwhile, won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series it its final year, while Sherri Shepherd won for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host after finding out her talker had been canceled after four seasons.
Photo: NATAS/YouTube
THINK OF LAURA
General Hospital star Genie Francis (Laura) received the Lifetime Achievement Award and shared from the stage, “I know 50 years sounds like an awfully long time, but it doesn’t feel like that to me,” she said. “As they say, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Overall, General Hospital, Beyond the Gates and The Kelly Clarkson Show received the most gold statuettes for the night with four wins apiece.
Here’s a look at the honor roll for tonight’s big winners below:
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jeff Kober (Cyrus Renault, General Hospital)
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing in a Daytime Drama Series
Days of our Lives
Outstanding Talk Series
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Outstanding Talk Series Host
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling for a Daytime Program
The Young and the Restless (Episode 13273)
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, The Kelly Clarkson Show
So, who were you happy to see win a Daytime Emmy on tonight’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Do you think the right show and actors took home the gold? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can watch the replay of tonight’s livestream of the Daytime Emmy ceremony below.
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