Daytime Emmys behind-the-scenes, Genie Francis, Tamara Tunie, Beth Maitland

Key Points:

• The 2026 Daytime Emmys ceremony, held at the Hollywood Palladium with mild 71-degree weather, honored daytime programming from the previous year, with all five nominated soap operas winning awards.
• Beyond the Gates, a first-year eligible soap, made a strong showing with 15 nominations and won four awards, including Best Lead Actress for Tamara Tunie’s portrayal of Anita Dupree’s breast cancer storyline.
• Veteran actors were recognized, such as Beth Maitland winning Best Supporting Actress 41 years after her first Emmy for The Young and the Restless, and Scott Clifton winning Best Lead Actor for The Bold and the Beautiful with a reel focusing on his character’s brain tumor.
• General Hospital won its sixth consecutive Best Daytime Drama Series Emmy, with accolades for storylines involving the death of Monica, while Days of Our Lives won directing honors for episodes memorializing John Black, ending General Hospital’s streak.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Genie Francis for her iconic role as Laura Spencer on General Hospital, with a tribute featuring co-stars and highlighting her enduring impact on daytime drama.