Connect with us

Days Of Our Lives

33

WATCH: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series Nominee Reels : McKay, Sweeney, Tognoni, West & Wright Vie For The Gold!

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Courtesy/NATAS

Courtesy/NATAS

Five women have been nominated for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for this year’s 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be presented live on Sunday night, April 26th only on Pop starting at 8PMET/5PMPT.

Vying for the gold are Days of our Lives Peggy McKay as Caroline Brady and Alison Sweeney as Sami Brady.   In the running from General Hospital are Maura West as Ava Jerome, and Laura Wright as Carly Corinthos Jax. Nominated from The Young and the Restless is Gina Tognoni as Phyllis Summers.

Maura West and Gina Tognoni have previously won two Daytime Emmys for their work on As the World Turns and Guiding Light, respectively.  Laura Wright has won once as Carly on GH. Alison Sweeney has never received a Daytime Emmy nomination in her long and storied almost 22-year-run on Days of our Lives, and Peggy McKay has been nominated two times previously, and once for Lead Actress.

After the jump watch the five actresses nominated work and their official submissions that got them to be part of the “Fab Five” on daytime’s biggest night of the year!  Then let us know, who do you think should take home the gold? Who are you rooting for?

Peggy McCay – Daytime Emmys
Alison Sweeney – Daytime Emmys

Gina Tognoni – Daytime Emmys
Maura West – Daytime Emmys

Laura Wright – Daytime Emmys

33 Comments

33 Comments
oldest
newest

🙂 MAURA WEST 🙂

GAME OVER

I second that, Jeremy..
I love Alison Sweeney, but, she knew all the quirks, the nuances and what and what-nots about DOOL.
Maura West came to GH with nothing except her talent…and boy, did she use that gift. No sooner did she walk on stage, the scene was hers…she own it and every other one following. When Ava appeared, I knew I was not going to be left empty- handed……Say or think what you will….but, THAT, my friends, is the difference between the two. ( in my opinion)

GAME OVER, INDEED!!!

Alison or Maura…why isnt FH-Anna Devane in the lead instead of supporting…she’s been on and off GH since the 80s…now i like Maura but she’s only been on GH for a few years—Finola started back in the 80s with some time away from the show…FH importance seems to be somewhat diminished of late but i still consider her more of a leading lady…jmo!!!

It’s Ali’s time! She more than deserves it! Her work last year (and the last 22 years) were beyond EPIC!!! The fact that this is her first nomination is ridiculous IMO! #TimeForSweeneyToWin

I with you

Hands down’

#1 Maura West ….

and both .. Laura Wright and Peddy McCay.. very close to #1 / tie ..

This award belongs to Allison Sweeney…all the reels were the great work of each of these ladies.

I pulling for Alison Sweeney, her reel is top notch. Maura West has a very good reel as well. Gina is not to be counted out of the race.

tognoni? she sucks!!!!!hahahahaah who nominates this , now sweeney is totally the winner!!!

Very tough choice. Based on the reels alone might have to give it to Gina T. I’ve never watched an episode of YR in my life and I don”t know her from any other work, but was very impressed with her reel. McKay’s reel was also extremely good (I know she doesn’t belong in this category, but setting that aside).

The others: Sweeney was overacting here, in my opinion. West gave a good performance but I don’t think the reel as a whole showed her at her best – ditto for Wright.

Damn surprised myself, but as a GH fan (and Days legacy fan), I’d probably vote Tognoni or McKay. Tognoni’s performance was slightly more impressive but would be very nice to see trouper McKay win.

hey Nick D. I too, do not watch Y&R – at all, and yet, I too, was so impressed with Gina Tognoni’s reel. Wow. So good! However, I remain committed to Maura West.

Can never go wrong with MW

Can never go wrong with Maura West, FOR SURE!!!

I know it’s the much maligned “crypt sex” episode but Maura West’s reel had the most emotional impact for my money. Sweeney’s is a dream sequence which undercuts the impact for me, Tognoni and Wright’s reels are just lots of yelling, and McKay should be in the supporting category,

I would like to see Sweeney take it even though not crazy about her reel. Not really impressed by any of them to be honest I know what KKL/Brooke of B&B submitted in her pre-nom personally this should have been her year. It was subtle and I like that!

Let me just say bravo to all these ladies they turned in great reels. Here’s how I rank them

5:McKay: It’s the shortest reel but it’s also the most heartwarming. McKay is wonderful in this this as she talks about the wedding. She could shock and win but the nomination is a win.

4:Sweeney: The favorite in this category. She had the best year last year as an actress. Her reel is the longest it’s the fake out but hers the problem while she wss good her reel was a little overwrought. Another problem is three actresses Wrigjt/West/Tognoni all outshone her.

3: Maura West: She is simply divine in this. She can read the phone book and she’s already a two time emmy winner. Fabulous sexy scenes in the crypt and it’s a reel that excited u and riveted u.

2:Laura Wright: She’s the dark horse here. She gives the best work of her career in this reel and does a fabulous job acting opposite of Roger Howarth. Her range and subtly is fantsstic. She totally takes charge here. Again she’s the dark horse upset.

1: Gina Tognoni: She’s a revelation in these scenes with Peter Bergman. This is the kind of reel that wins emmy. It really takes u on the journey of Phyllis feels about Jack being with another women. There’s tons of range and emotions. Phyllis is nasty, hard, angry, sad but she makes u feel vulnerability. It’s a complete story in this reel. Tognoni is fierce here. Plus her being the only CBS nominee might give her advantage the others might get their votes split.

Powerhouse!! Maura West all the way 🙂

Powerhouse!!! I’ll say!!!

Hands down winner is Alison Sweeney. I have never really bought into the character of Sami Brady over the years. She was not a captivating actress. But her last year made up for all of her previous years. She suddenly found herself and acted the hell out of every scene. Even though the submitted scene was a dream sequence it was so well acted that when the actual truth came out it was almost a let down. Her acting with James Scott is stellar. They had the true definition of chemistry. It was a dream sequence so of course she had to overact. That is a necessity of a scene like that. But her moods and reactions were right on point. The reel was a tad too long but it did it’s job. If Alison does not win then the trophy should go to Maura West as Ava Jerome. Maura West is the last of a dying breed of daytime actresses. She has such precision and skill in her acting. She is ALWAYS on point with whatever character she takes on. There are not many actresses like her. I thought the scene with her and Sonny in the crypt was stellar. Totally in keeping with the characters personalities. Both actors Maura West and Maurice Bernard portray their disgust with themselves. They are honest enough to admit their weaknesses and still take it down a notch. I mean sex in a crypt? Geebus! Maura was bouncing off the top notch acting of Mr. Bernard and adding her own magic. They are just perfection together. She deserves the recognition for her superb work on General Hospital. As for the other three actresses nominated they were good as well but Laura Wright’s scenes were the wrong ones to submit. And that story line didn’t belong to Laura Wright. It belonged to Roger Howarth for his perfection. Laura Wright just benefitted from how she reacted to his acting catalysts. I love Laura Wright’s work on General Hospital and I love her character of Carly Jax Corinthos. But this isn’t her year. Gina Tognoni was great in her portrayal of Phyllis Newman but her arrival into that character is too new. She hasn’t found her space yet. She is doing a great job and it’s a hard one replacing Michelle Stafford but she is taking it on with relish. I just don’t think the story was strong enough. She deserves the nomination but not the win. And finally Peggy McKay. Really? She deserves neither the nomination nor the award. Plenty of actresses have taken on the storyline of Alzheimers and growing old. Her scene was confusing and messy. It had no substance nor merit. She did nothing to warrant attention for that scene. Especially in a leading actress role. Her character isn’t a lead character any way. In fact it’s so rare to see her on the show that she should be nominated in the guest actress category if at all. In my opinion her nomination was strictly for the subject matter of Alzheimers which they haven’t really explored in any depth. So she does not warrant recognition for it. It’s time to correct an age old wrong. Give Alison Sweeney the award. She earned it for sure. But if you have to go off course then go to Maura West because she is a pure winner.

Peggy McCay has been acting since 1949 and has played more character actors than any other actor. She puts her heart and soul into each and every scene. Actors can only do what the writers give them. She is truly a gifted actress and deserves whatever award they give her. She was very touching in her scene at the wedding and drew many tears. Obviously you’re not familiar with her acting career. Look up her bio……

The Emmy she is nominated for is not for her “previous” work. I did not say she was not an experienced actress, nor did I say she hadn’t done previous stellar work. My decision is based SOLELY on her Emmy reel that she herself submitted. Her role on Days is not a leading role. The reel submitted, while tender, is not even the least bit meaty in any way. So basically Peggy McCay’s previous credits attributed to her in the IMDB has zero bearing on her nomination. She is not deserving of an award because her work was submitted in the wrong category and it was also not Emmy worthy.

I watch all the shows but Allison has killed on DAYS for years. So Allison, Allison, Allison!!!!

Alison Sweeney gets her first emmy nomination after 22 yrs in daytime and most of y’all criticized her reel , say there is overacting. Everbody has a opinion , I like Maura West , but some of comments I have read. Think she is all that and bag of chips. She only a two time emmy winner. I like her reel , but Alison , Laura, & Gina reels are just as good if not better. So all of these ladies are deserving. But Maura West is no Jeanne Cooper, Susan Flannery, Erica Slezak, Heather Tom , Elieen Davidsion & etc

Maura West, not even close!!!

They’re all great reels in my opinion, but I’m gonna be loyal to the show I watch, and that’s GH. It’s hard to pick between Laura Wright and Maura West. Both were excellent here. I liked Maura’s just a little more, so I’m going with her.

I also want to make mention, Maurice Benard once again proves here as he did in Chad Duell’s reel that it’s a damn shame that he gets overlooked for award consideration every year. The same for Roger Howarth in Laura Wright’s reel. He was tremendous in that episode as well. Don’t remember seeing either guys name on the pre-nom list, so it’s possible neither chose to submit their name this year, but either way, both should be recognized for their excellent work.

Alison Sweeney got it right in her choice of what to submit. I hope she wins. She deserves it.

Alison and James Scott also both got it right in deciding to discontinue their roles…at least for now. The EJami story had run its course. This clip captures their relationship/story perfectly. There was no where else for the EJami story to go. This clip showed the best and worse of EJami.

Maura West all the way..she had the best reel wuth the biggest emotional punch. She deserves to win.

Maura West is the winner for me. Gina Tognoni is a close 2nd. I would almost give both of them the emmy but for me Maura’s had a subtleness about it that didn’t need to be yelling or hysterically crying to get the point across.

As for Alison I thought the reel was good but a little overacted for me (this is coming from a Susan Lucci fan) her reel didn’t move me the way Maura and Gina’s did.

What a sham.

I thought Peggy McCay was the best,with Laura in 2nd. Gina Tognoni is such a ham,overactor,scene scenery chewer,she is all over the place,hope she doesn’t win!

My prediction is Allison Sweeney her reel was the best

Peggy McCay’s speech at her grandson’s wedding was so touching, I had tears in my life.Peggy has surely earned a lifetime achievement award and she really deserves the daytime Emmy. What a wonderful gifted actress!

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

Published

on

By

Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

Published

on

By

Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

Published

on

By

Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

33
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x