Breaking News
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.
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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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.
Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
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