Y&R Star Bryton James Shares What’s on His Daytime Emmy Reel

Bryton James is a two-time Daytime Emmy-winner having won Outstanding Younger Leading Actor in a Drama Series in 2007 and last year, he took home the gold for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He’s nominated this year in that category for his role as Devon on The Young and the Restless.

Catching Up With Bryton James

Soap Hub chatted with James at a recent Daytime Emmy press event in which he talked about this year’s nod and reveals which category he and real-life girlfriend and co-star Brytni Sarpy (Elena) will be presenting.

Soap Hub: What story does your reel tell this year?
Bryton James: Devon and Elena had spent the year before building a new relationship after he’d lost his wife Hilary [Mishael Morgan]. The fans got behind us. Then, it was the story of Devon finding out that Elena had cheated on him [with Nate, played by Sean Dominic]. There are scenes with Devon inquiring why it happened? What he had done to deserve this?

Um. Nothing? Seriously, though, he hadn’t. I mean…
(Smiling) I know what you mean.

But it’s human nature what Elena did. She feared she was going to lose Devon and her actions — sleeping with Nate — had turned that fear into a reality.
Sure. I understood it from both sides. Devon could have been more sensitive as to how Elena was feeling about him getting close to Amanda [Mishael Morgan]. Nate didn’t help either! The scenes are about Devon finding out and him telling her he doesn’t want to live with her. A week later, they see each other again.

Why did you choose those episodes?
I thought that was the best I had from last year. It was the best Brytni and I had and those scenes touched me. I thought she did a fantastic job. She helped me react. There were be no scenes for me to submit without her performances.

You and Brytni are presenting at the awards?
Yes. We’re presenting Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series.

Does having won twice before affect how you feel about getting nominated again this year?
The feeling of not having something and really wanting it at least once is gone, sure. But everything else is the same. I’ve been recognized by people I look up to in this industry. It’s an honor.

Do you ever see yourself moving up to Outstanding Leading Actor?
Someday. When I’m old enough. Christian Le Blanc (Michael) has been telling me to go for Lead for a few years. If Kristoff [St. John, ex-Neil] were here, he would be the Lead — and he should be.

This year’s ceremony has a more interactive element than last year’s ceremony had.
I think it’s fantastic. The fans will get to see us get dressed up and we have some glamour. It’s great that this is on CBS again for the second year in a row.

The 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will air on Friday, June 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+. The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.