The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards are just around the corner, and there’s a fresh face in the mix as Beyond the Gates, the first new broadcast network soap opera in decades, is officially on the board with 15 nominations.
Read on for everything to know about this year’s ceremony, including the nominees, streaming details, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Genie Francis. The awards are presented annually by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
THE DATE & VENUE
The 53rd annual ceremony will take place Oct. 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. It’s the first time the Daytime Emmys are being held in that specific venue. Recent ceremonies have taken place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.
THE NOMINEES
Despite the increase in competition from 15-time nominee Beyond the Gates, The Young and the Restless earned bragging rights as the most-nominated soap for the third year in a row, at 18 bids. They both compete in Best Daytime Drama Series against General Hospital, which has 13 total nods, and Days of Our Lives, which came in with eight citations. The Bold and the Beautiful missed the top race, but still made off with seven mentions.
See the complete list of Daytime Emmy nominations in all categories.
HOW TO WATCH
The ceremony is not airing on linear television this year, but it is available to stream through The Emmys app or on the official NATAS website.
THE HONOREE
Daytime Emmy winner Genie Francis (General Hospital, 2007) is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor comes as the actress will soon mark the 50th anniversary of her daytime television debut on GH, with her first appearance being in 1977.
“I want to offer my deepest gratitude to the leadership of NATAS for honoring me with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” Francis said. “This February marks 50 years since I first portrayed Laura on General Hospital. Stepping onto that set at just 14, I could never have imagined the extraordinary journey that lay ahead. I am deeply grateful to have been welcomed onto your television screens and into your homes for five decades; for the love, support, and loyalty I’ve been given; and for the privilege of being a small part of your lives.”
THE HOST & PRESENTERS
Stay tuned, as the host and presenters for the 53rd kudos will be announced at a later date.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Fans can experience the Daytime Emmys firsthand by purchasing tickets to the event beginning Sept. 9 on the NATAS website.
THE CREATIVES
Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for the fifth consecutive time. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition. The ceremony is produced by NATAS Productions.
