Exciting News: Nominees for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Announced!

🌟 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

This year’s Lead Actress category is stacked with talent, filled with both Emmy veterans and long-overdue nominees. The nominees are:

• Sharon Case as Sharon Newman (The Young and the Restless)

• Eileen Davidson as Ashley Abbott (The Young and the Restless)

• Melissa Claire Egan as Chelsea Lawson (The Young and the Restless)

• Nancy Lee Grahn as Alexis Davis (General Hospital)

• Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers (The Young and the Restless)

• Laura Wright as Carly Spencer (General Hospital)

This lineup is nothing short of iconic. All but one of these women have previously taken home an Emmy. Eileen Davidson, a two-time Lead Actress winner, is recognized not only for her work on The Young and the Restless but also as Kristen DiMera on Days of Our Lives. Michelle Stafford and Laura Wright have also held the Lead Actress title before, while Nancy Lee Grahn boasts two Emmy wins in the Supporting Actress category.

The standout here is Melissa Claire Egan, who—despite seven previous nominations—has yet to win. Fans of Y&R know just how much emotional depth she brings to Chelsea Lawson, and this might finally be her year. Regardless of who walks away with the trophy, this category is a celebration of excellence in daytime storytelling and female performance.

🎭 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

The gentlemen of daytime television have also delivered unforgettable performances this year. The nominees for Lead Actor are:

• Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott (The Young and the Restless)

• Eric Martsolf as Brady Black (Days of Our Lives)

• Greg Rikaart as Leo Stark (Days of Our Lives)

• Paul Telfer as Xander Kiriakis (Days of Our Lives)

• Dominic Zamprogna as Dante Falconeri (General Hospital)

It’s a fierce lineup. Peter Bergman is no stranger to Emmy glory, having previously won in this category. Both Eric Martsolf and Greg Rikaart earned Emmy wins in the Supporting Actor category, with Martsolf in 2014 and Rikaart in 2005.

Paul Telfer, returning for his second nomination after a nod in 2020, has had a strong year with compelling material. Dominic Zamprogna continues to grow in recognition, with this being his fifth nomination overall (including Supporting and Lead Actor categories). His portrayal of Dante on General Hospital has won over fans and critics alike for its nuance and emotional power.

📺 Outstanding Daytime Drama Series

In one of the most anticipated categories of the year, the three shows nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series are:

• Days of Our Lives

• General Hospital

• The Young and the Restless

These daytime giants have been delivering must-watch storylines year after year, and 2024 was no different. Days of Our Lives captivated viewers with its blend of romance and danger, General Hospital brought high-stakes drama and emotional depth, while The Young and the Restless dominated with layered performances and legacy character arcs.

All three series remain beloved staples of the genre and continue to shape the future of daytime drama. The race for the top prize is tight—and fan loyalty runs deep for each one.

😮 Where Is Bold and the Beautiful? Fans Demand Answers

One glaring omission from this early list has sparked debate and disappointment: The Bold and the Beautiful was entirely shut out of the three major categories.

Longtime fans are shocked that acclaimed actors like Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan) and Thorsten Kaye (Ridge Forrester) didn’t receive nominations. With a history of wins and nominations, B&B‘s absence is a hot topic of discussion online.

So what happened?

It’s worth noting that the eligibility window for the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards includes only episodes aired between January 1 and December 31, 2024. While B&B had standout moments, it’s possible that the submitted episodes or storylines just didn’t resonate with the judges compared to what Y&R, GH, and DOOL brought to the table this cycle. As with all award shows, subjective decisions and fierce competition play a role.

Still, the lack of representation stings for many loyal Bold and the Beautiful viewers.

🕰️ What About Beyond the Gates?

Another absence fans noticed was the omission of new soap Beyond the Gates. However, there’s a clear reason: the show premiered on February 24, 2025, which is outside the eligibility period for the 2025 Emmys. Expect to see it in contention next year, when its full slate of episodes can be evaluated.

🔜 What’s Next?

The full list of nominees for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be announced Thursday at 12 PM ET, and fans are already buzzing. Will other B&B cast members score nominations in categories like Supporting Actor or Younger Performer? Could there be surprise nods for rising stars or legacy characters from any of the soaps?

The ceremony is scheduled for October 2025, though the exact date has yet to be confirmed. With so much talent in play and the drama already heating up, this year’s Emmys are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.

💬 Sound Off!

Are you rooting for Melissa Claire Egan to finally take home her first Emmy? Do you think Dominic Zamprogna or Peter Bergman will clinch the Lead Actor title? Are you shocked that Bold and the Beautiful was left out?

Let us know in the comments who YOU think deserves to win—and check back with Soap Opera Digest and this channel for ongoing Emmy coverage, fan reactions, and full nomination breakdowns.

The 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards are almost here—and the race is officially on.