Days Of Our Lives
WATCH: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series Nominee Reels : McKay, Sweeney, Tognoni, West & Wright Vie For The Gold!
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
🙂 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!
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Kelly Sullivan Debuts as Dylan’s Mom; Suspicion is Raised About Carter and Steffy
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together
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