The Young and the Restless pulled out the drama in 2025. From kidnappings to a murder mystery to business takeovers, the cast came through with their amazing performances. While everyone is deserving of an award, only a few will be selected for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations will be announced on July 14.
- Sharon Case gave one emotional performance after another.
- Michelle Stafford showed that even Phyllis has her weak moments.
- Camryn Grimes’ character, Mariah, had a gut-wrenching year.
Sharon Case
Case (Sharon) was front and center for most of 2025. Sharon faced one harrowing ordeal after another. From being kidnapped twice to Noah’s (Lucas Adams) car accident to facing an old enemy, the Crimson Lights owner never caught a break.
Whether she was in danger herself or a mother fearing for her son’s life, Case had fans sympathizing with Sharon’s plight. The actress shed many tears during her emotional performances, but also showed Sharon’s resilience in mustering the strength to save herself and her family. After her phenomenal work in 2025, Case seems a shoo-in for a Lead Actress nomination for this year’s Daytime Emmys.
Michelle Stafford
Phyllis (Stafford) found herself in a dangerous predicament when she and Sharon were held captive. Having the longtime rivals locked up together brought suspense, drama, and another amazing performance by Stafford.
Stafford showcased Phyllis’ anger and toughness as the redhead tried to outsmart the anonymous captor. Although Phyllis tried not to be rattled, her fear increased upon realizing she and Sharon might not get out alive.
But Stafford’s best work came in the aftermath of her and Sharon’s rescue. Phyllis tried to return to a normal life, but it became evident she wasn’t fine. During one intense scene, Stafford went from fiery to broken as Phyllis finally admitted to Danny (Michael Damian) that she wasn’t okay.
Stafford is an Emmy favorite and a three-time Emmy winner. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if she’s a top contender for Lead Actress this year.
Camryn Grimes
Mariah’s (Grimes) breakdown storyline was met with mixed reactions among fans. While the story had its flaws, Grimes was superb in her scenes.
Grimes gave a riveting performance as Mariah struggled with being haunted by her past with Ian (Ray Wise). Mariah’s issues reached a breaking point when she tried to kill an Ian look-alike (Michael Swan). Fearing she’s turning evil, Mariah made the gut-wrenching decision to walk away from Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) and their family.
Although viewers disagreed with Mariah’s choices, they also felt her pain as she grappled with her heartbreaking decisions. Grimes’ performances during Mariah’s unraveling were the highlights of this storyline. For her hard work, Grimes could score an Emmy nomination for Supporting Actress.
Colleen Zenk
Zenk’s (Jordan) latest return came to an end in January 2025. Jordan was back to cause more mischief with her new partner in crime, Ian. However, Jordan’s niece Claire (Hayley Erin) and the Newmans soon busted Miss Howard’s scheme.
Zenk did an astounding job as Jordan realized the walls were closing in on her. Instead of letting the Newmans win, Jordan beat them by drinking poisoned tea. As the poison took effect, Zenk unleashed Jordan’s anger with one final tirade towards the Newmans and a warning to her beloved niece.
Jordan’s swan song was a tragic yet perfect way for the villain to be written out. So far, Zenk’s been shut out of the Guest Performer category, but 2026 could be the year the actress finally scores a nomination.
