General Hospital
How did James Franco fare as Oscar co-host? – Let us Know!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Last evening, General Hospital’s recurring superstar, James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Annual Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway. At the beginning of the Oscar Telecast, a very clever opening sequence imposing both Franco and Hathaway inside scenes from the nominated Best Picture nominees was to set the tone for the show. (See clip below). What followed was some straightforward announcements of the proceedings to keep it moving, and some sight gags, ala Franco in drag. The New York Magazine Vulture Column thought Franco and Hathaway did a great job. Still others in this round-up of reviews in this morning’s Hollywood Reporter felt Hathaway was on point, but Franco seemed like he was bewildered at times.
Whatever the case, we ask you, the soapers, what you thought of Franco. Let us know in the comment section below. We have also posted two clips we enjoyed of the night. The opening sequence of the Oscars with Franco and Hathaway and then presentation of the Lead Actor Oscar by Sandra Bullock, in which Franco was a nominees for 127 Hours. Watch the clip as Bullock references Franco’s appearances on General Hospital as part of her introduction of his nomination and clip. It was very cute.
Remember, James re-appears today’s episode on General Hospital!
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.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
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sorry he was a little boring ….kept to script…which is fine…but for hosting a live show…you must have some spontaneity to help move the show along……..think this proves he maybe able to be a comedic actor but is NOT a comedian ….any way just an opinion folks
James Franco seemed a little bored to me like he really want to be there that’s my opinion..
I see a lot of negative press and posts. I didn’t think he was that bad. ITo be honest I never watch and he was the only reason I even tuned in.
I enjoyed the show. James Franco and Anne Hathaway did a good job. Considering that they have never hosted an event of this magnitude before, I was impressed. They kept the show moving, and it was only a few minutes over schedule. They were funny and gracious. Hathaway was joyous, and Franco’s “LIVEOSCAR” video tweets were amusing to watch during the commercial breaks. I love that he incorporated new media in hosting.
I don’t really understand all the criticisms. Then again, I enjoyed the show when Letterman and Gervais hosted the Oscars too, and both of them were critically panned. Billy Crystal receives a lot of praise, and he did have his good points, but I got tired of the continuous jokes aimed at creepy Jack Nicholson in the front row. They were certainly better than the time Ellen hosted when the awards were handed out in the aisles to save time, but the show was severely over schedule.
It was nice to see the people in my generation host this time around.
He look bored and then he look high! Poor Anne Hathaway, she tried to compensate but it was a hard job.
Twp thumbs down for Franco!
He looked and acted stoned. He was horrible. The show was a huge bore. I hope I never see this guy again. I thought Anne tried but she should stick to acting. Next time let someone who knows what they are doing host the show.
I thought he did a good job. They really tried to make it light and enjoyable. I loved her dresses but not his. He may be over exposing himself too much but he is handsome and talented.
did not enjoy him or the show at all – they should have selected someone more interesting……………jmo
I think he was exhausted from the coast-to-coast travel. And tired or not, that smile gets me every time.
Thought that it was one of the worst hosted Oscars in my lifetime of watching. When Billy Crystal came on stage, I thought he should have just taken over the rest of the show. Anne at least showed more personality than James Franco! Not surprised the ratings dropped.
I agree. Im a movie fan before a soap fan and watch the oscars every year and watch nearly all the movies that come out. This years hosts were not clicking and I agree that James looked bored and when Billy Crystal came out on stage- that was the first time I heard the audience actually laugh. Bad choice of hosts that had no experience. Congrats to Colin Firth and Natalie Portman though who were awesome in their roles!
He looked spaced out, bored…couldn’t look directly at the camera. He kept looking up and away somewhere. Total BOMB and I like JF, what a shame.
Terrible. He is so handsome and a talented actor. Hosting is better suited for a comedian.
I love him and thought he did a fine job. Would like to see all of you critics pull off a similar hosting gig of this magnitude in front of the same number of people. He is not a comedian and neither is Ann H so lighten up folks.
I’m sorry, I respectfully disagree. Hugh Jackman isn’t a showman, nor is he a comedian, but he was one of the best host the show has had in the last few years. Sunday being no exception. I love James Franco as an actor, always have, always will, but I’m sorry, IMHO, he was not a very good host that night. He was better hosting SNL, which was FILLED with comedy skits. Anne on the other hand, I felt did the best she could with what she was given. But when a number of the viewing audience is still asking if one of the host was on some sort of substance that night, there’s a problem.
To counter my previous post, for the record, they say he wasn’t on anything, but heavily exhausted. I still love James, like I said, always have, always will, but it was clear from his hosting that it was all coming down hard, seeing the heavy load on his back as of late, between GH, school, movies, and hosting gigs.
He looked bewildered! But in fairness Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, & Billy Crystal are hard acts to follow it takes a special gift to host the Oscars!
I thought they both did great, especially considering it was their first time. I really think they were trying to keep on point, not let the proceedings run too long, and they did so admirably. I, for one, appreciated that the usual banter was kept to a minimum. I enjoyed the whole show greatly, and normally I find the Oscars to be a colossal bore.
Loved him –He was a breath of fresh air and adorable! Loved his Marilynn Monroe outfit –saggy boobs and all. Hope to see more of this actor in future films –He’s a keeper!
TERRIBLE IN OSCARS,,,,,WORSE THAN THAT ON GH….I cant say on movies because I havent seen any BUT in these things Ive seen…BEYOND TERRIBLE!!!:(
I thought James Franco looked bored and he was boring. He hardly ever looked at Ann Hathaway. She was trying to keep it interesting and lively, but he just kept dragging the energy down. I don’t understand why he was selected to cohost.
I thought that the acadamy awards show was suppose to be classy, and first rate. In my opinion,having two,not so great actor’s to begin with, who obviously had very little experience in front of a live audience, was a giant mistake. Know matter how many dresses that Anne Hathaway changed into, it did not do anything to change the fact that she was not funny, not all that attractive, and seemed to be nervous and uncomfortable on the stage. I think that” Mr. Class”, Alec Baldwin, who is a great actor, very handsome and funny, as well as extremely intelligent would be a great host.
I thought he was: a, full of himself and smirky, b. over his head and outclassed not only by Ms. Hathaway but Billy Crystal, c. boring, d. done. I’ve had it with his self-centered smirk, his mediocrre acting, and did I say, ego?
LOL right on target
The only thing that is on target is the poster’s need to use Spell-Check.