The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards are almost here, and Soap Hub‘s editors and writers have plenty of opinions about who deserves to take home a trophy. With familiar favorites, impressive newcomers, and some truly memorable performances among the nominees, there are several categories that could go in any direction.
Ahead of the ceremony (be sure to check out our red carpet coverage!), we’re sharing our individual predictions for daytime drama’s biggest awards. Here’s who we think will win, along with the performances and storylines that made our choices stand out.
Rachel Dillin, Soap Hub Editor-in-Chief
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series: Beyond the Gates
I’m picking Beyond the Gates for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. There’s something special about getting to watch a brand-new soap opera from its very first episode, especially when it’s been so long since daytime audiences had that opportunity.
The cast is incredibly talented, and the storylines during the show’s first year gave viewers plenty of reasons to keep tuning in. The show made enough of an impression to earn a renewal, which is no small accomplishment for a new daytime drama. I’d love to see BTG win this award because I think its debut deserves that recognition.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Heather Tom (Katie Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful)
Heather Tom is my pick for Outstanding Lead Actress. She’s consistently one of the strongest performers on The Bold and the Beautiful, and her work during the Will and Luna storyline was particularly impressive.
Tom brought out Katie’s fierce determination to protect her son, along with the fear and vulnerability that come with being a mother who can’t control everything happening to her child. I also enjoyed her work surrounding Katie’s surprising reunion with Bill. Those scenes required a different emotional approach, and Tom handled both storylines beautifully. She’s won several Emmys already, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her add another.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Eric Braeden (Victor Newman, The Young and the Restless)
I’m going with Eric Braeden for Outstanding Lead Actor. Victor Newman has been a fixture on The Young and the Restless for decades, but Braeden still finds ways to make the character compelling.
I particularly enjoyed his work when Victor fired Michael Baldwin. Their long history made those scenes especially interesting because Michael wasn’t just another employee Victor could dismiss without a second thought. Braeden also delivered strong performances during the aftermath of the shooting involving Ian Ward and Victoria. He showed Victor’s ruthless side alongside his determination to protect his family, and that’s a combination Braeden has always played exceptionally well.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton, Days of Our Lives)
Linsey Godfrey gets my vote for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Her work as Sarah on Days of Our Lives was heartbreaking, particularly when Sarah confronted Xander about his betrayal.
The moment Sarah removed her wedding ring was incredibly effective. Godfrey conveyed how devastated Sarah was without needing to overplay the scene. I also thought she did an excellent job portraying the emotional aftermath of Sarah’s hit-and-run accident. Even after Sarah regained her ability to walk, the trauma didn’t simply disappear. Learning that Fiona, her own mother-in-law, was responsible added another layer of betrayal. Godfrey made Sarah’s pain feel genuine throughout these storylines.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill Hamilton, Beyond the Gates)
My pick is Timon Kyle Durrett for his portrayal of Bill Hamilton on Beyond the Gates. Bill was certainly not an easy character to like during the show’s first year, but Durrett made him fascinating to watch.
His scenes with Dani were especially memorable. Watching Bill reject her attempts to save their marriage while moving forward with Hayley was painful, and Durrett didn’t shy away from showing Bill’s arrogance. I also thought his confrontations with Naomi were particularly strong. Bill was so accustomed to being in control that watching his family challenge him brought out a different side of the character. Later, his unexplained physical problems gave Durrett opportunities to show some vulnerability. I think he made the most of all that material.
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Alice Halsey (Rachel Black, Days of Our Lives)
Alice Halsey is my choice for Outstanding Emerging Talent. She’s done some remarkable work as Rachel Black on Days of Our Lives, especially considering the emotional range the role requires.
Her scenes surrounding John Black’s death were particularly moving. I thought she captured Rachel’s grief beautifully, especially opposite Deidre Hall. Her work with Eric Martsolf during Rachel’s time at Bayview was another standout. Rachel’s fear that Brady might abandon her was heartbreaking to watch. Of course, Halsey is equally convincing when Rachel is being manipulative, including her scheming involving Thomas. She can make Rachel sympathetic one minute and absolutely infuriating the next, which is quite an accomplishment for such a young performer.
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Ray Wise (Ian Ward, The Young and the Restless)
I’m predicting Ray Wise will win Outstanding Guest Performer for his work as Ian Ward on The Young and the Restless. He’s one of those actors who can make a character genuinely unsettling without doing very much at all.
His scenes during the confrontation at the Newman ranch were fantastic, especially the aftermath of Victor shooting Ian. That moment when Ian opened his eyes in the ambulance was such a wonderfully creepy way to let viewers know he wasn’t finished terrorizing Genoa City. His later return to torment Mariah in Boston was equally disturbing, particularly given their history. Wise has a way of making Ian seem almost pleasant while reminding viewers that he’s capable of terrible things. I think that makes him an excellent choice for this award.
Rachelle Lewis, Senior Editor and Writer
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series: General Hospital
From Gio’s parental reveal at the nurse ball to Monica’s death, to Maxie landing in a coma and Michael being burned in an explosion, GH was on fire with storylines and performances. Fan favorite Ryan Paevey returned, and GH found recast gold when Rory Gibson stepped into the role of Michael. The ABC soap was must-see all year long, making it a shoe-in for the award.
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera, Days of our Lives)
Stacy Haiduk gave powerhouse performance after powerhoue performance as Kristen DiMera on Days of our Lives. The actress hit it out of the park when she learned her mother Rachel, was alive and did it again when she realized her young daughter, Rachel, shot EJ. Haiduk knows how to balance the evil villain in Kristen with the vulnerable side that she rarely lets anyone see. It’s her stellar talent that makes Kristen a classic soap villain that fans love to hate.
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital)
Steve Burton showed that he can still surprise fans in his performances as Jason Morgan during Monica’s death and funeral on General Hospital. Burton gave a tearjerker performance as he balanced being Jason while dealing with the loss of his beloved on-screen mom, Leslie Charleson. The actor used subtle moments that showed an emotional and vulnerable side of Jason that isn’t seen often. It was a reminder of why Burton has been a key part of the show for decades.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Beth Maitland has been playing Traci Abbott for over four decades on The Young and the Restless, and she can still leave us in our feels. Traci learning that the man she loved, aka Alan, was in fact his evil twin brother was heartbreaking. Maitland allowed Traci to feel all the feelings, from heartbreak to anger to admitting she really wanted to be loved. The veteran actress hit it out of the park, showing a vulnerable and embarrassed Traci. 40 years later, and Maitland just keeps proving she’s more talented than ever.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill Hamilton, Beyond The Gates)
Timon Kyle Durrett was on fire from the second he brought Bill Hamilton on-screen on Beyond the Gates. The character initially started as the man who scorned one of the Dupree women. However, along the way, Durrett peeled back the layers of Bill, revealing he may be a liar, cheater, and schemer, but there’s good in him. Durrett allowed fans to get to know all of Bill. The actor took Bill from a hated villain to someone fans almost want to root for as he nailed every single scene he was in.
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Alice Halsey (Rachel Black, Days of our Lives)
Alice Halsey was only 10 years old when she was tasked with playing troubled Rachel Black on Days of our Lives. Halsey played every beat of Rachel’s issues and breakdown perfectly. The young actress nailed every scene she was in, especially with the veteran stars on the show. Halsey found a way to show Rachel was more than just a brat, causing trouble in a powerhouse performance, dealing with adult issues, and making fans feel for this young girl.
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jeff Kober (Cyrus Renault General Hospital)
Jeff Kober killed it as Cyrus Renault on General Hospital since he began on the ABC soap. The actor had his final swan song, for now, when Josslyn shot Cyrus. Before that, though, Kober gave a stellar performance as Cyrus’ evil side returned despite his declaring he was good. Kober always found a way to show the layers for Cyrus, and he did it again before the character’s death.
Carol Cassada, Contributing Writer
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series: Beyond The Gates
BTG might be the fav, but they’ve got tough competition from GH. The ABC soap brought the drama with Gio’s paternity reveal, Monica’s funeral, and Drew’s shooting. Thanks to its suspenseful and heartbreaking storylines, GH is poised to score its 19th Daytime Emmy.
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Like her character, Dani Dupree, Karla Mosley was the center of attention on BTG. From a spitfire woman not afraid to confront anybody to an ex-wife drowning her sorrows, Mosley took fans on a roller coaster ride in Dani’s journey. Mosley was previously overlooked for her role as Maya on B&B. But it’s great to see her get recognition with her first Daytime Emmy nomination. After her successful year on BTG, what better way to cap it off than with a win?
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Monica’s death had all of Port Charles mourning, but nobody took her death harder than Jason. Steve Burton gave a tremendous performance as Jason broke through his stone-cold demeanor to mourn his mother.
In true Jason fashion, he tried to hold it together and be strong for his family. But when it came time to say goodbye to Monica, the tears flowed.
Burton had fans crying alongside him as Jason recalled his complicated relationship with Monica. The ending with Jason saying “I love you” to his mother’s casket is a moment no one will forget. Burton’s heartbreaking performance as a grieving son could finally earn him his first Lead Actor trophy.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Linsey Godfrey is one of DAYS’ best actresses, and last year she gave some of her fiercest work. When Sarah learned Xander was responsible for Philip, she wasted no time in confronting Xander. In a tense, emotional scene, Godfrey unleashed Sarah’s anger and hurt over Xander’s actions.
Godfrey and Paul Telfer were phenomenal as Sarah and Xander’s marriage crumbled. The scene of Sarah taking off her ring and telling Xander to leave not only broke her heart, but the hearts of Xarah fans. Godfrey’s been nominated four times for her role as Sarah, and this could be the year she finally wins the gold.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Roger Howarth shocked fans when he joined Y&R as Matt Clark in 2025. When it comes to playing villains, Howarth is a pro, and he had no trouble sliding into a role previously played by Eddie Cibrian and Rick Hearst.
Howarth gave a menacing performance as Matt set out to target Sharon and Nick’s family. Although fans might not like the character, Howarth has been a hit as the new Matt Clark. Howarth’s last Emmy win came as One Life to Live bad boy, Todd Manning, and now his role as Matthews should land him another win.
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Giovanni Mazza was definitely the breakout star on GH last year. His character, Gio, was at the center of a big storyline in which his cousin Brook Lynn was his mother. When Gio learned the truth about his parentage, he unleashed his fury by smashing his violin.
Mazza gave a gripping performance as a young man whose life was a lie. The actor did an excellent job of conveying Gio’s anger, hurt, and eventual acceptance of his new family.
Bryan Beckley, Contributing Writer
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series — General Hospital
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress — Tamara Tunie, BTG
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor — Steve Burton, GH
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress — Amanda Setton, GH/Trisha Mann Grant, BTG tie
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor — Roger Howarth, Y&R
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series — Braedyn Bruner, GH
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series — Jasmine Burke, BTG
