The 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards spotlight standout performances across daytime’s top soap operas, showcasing the depth of talent and storytelling that continues to define the genre. Let’s dive in to winner predictions for the nominees.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Emerging Talent: Lisa Yamada, Ashley Puzemis, & More
In the Outstanding Emerging Talent category, Lisa Yamada dominates the conversation for her riveting transformation as Luna Nozawa, whose shocking descent from sweet to psychotic drove one of the year’s most compelling storylines. Her work in the Steffy Forrester cage storyline and subsequent arrest scenes demonstrated a remarkable range that left audiences stunned.
Ashley Puzemis as Holly Jonas impressed viewers with her emotional turmoil while her character let Tate take the blame, showcasing the complex moral dilemmas that make soap opera storytelling so engaging. AnnaLynne McCord’s Cat Greene captivated audiences during her faux-Abigail phase, bringing layers of deception and vulnerability to the role. Christian Weissmann as Remy Pryce delivered a disturbing stalker portrayal that kept viewers on edge, rounding out a competitive field that still feels like Yamada’s category to lose given the jaw-dropping nature of her villainous turn.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Outstanding Guest Performance: Alley Mills, Linden Ashby, & More
In the Outstanding Guest Performance category, Alley Mills leads for her brief but powerful turn as Heather Webber, navigating prison release and exit scenes with emotional precision despite having limited material to work with. Mills has consistently delivered quality performances throughout her career, and her ability to make an impact with restricted screen time speaks to her skill as an actress.
Linden Ashby as Cameron Kirsten followed with commanding work in his back-from-the-dead storyline tormenting Sharon Newman (Sharon Case), bringing a menacing presence that elevated every scene he appeared in. The intensity and commitment Ashby brought to the role created some of the year’s most memorable moments.
Valarie Pettiford as Amy Lewis, Clint Howard as Tom Starr, Jacqueline Grace Lopez as Blaze, and Avery Pohl as Esme Prince all earned recognition for memorable guest arcs that enriched their respective shows.
Pettiford’s raw debut performance and strong acting background from her extensive theater and television work could position her as a surprise challenger in this category. Her portrayal of a mother battling cancer while revealing herself as the parent of Nate’s brother brought emotional depth and authenticity. Though Mills remains the frontrunner based on name recognition and consistent excellence, Pettiford’s powerful entrance and the emotional weight of her storyline make this race more competitive than it initially appears.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Best Supporting Roles: Gregory Harrison, Jonathan Jackson, & Michael Graziadei
In the Supporting races, the focus shifts to nuanced, emotionally charged work that demonstrates the genre’s ability to tackle complex human experiences. For Outstanding Supporting Actor, Gregory Harrison commands attention for his moving portrayal of Gregory Chase‘s ALS battle and death while officiating his son’s wedding. The delicate balance Harrison struck between celebrating his son’s happiness and confronting his own mortality created powerful television that resonated deeply with audiences, particularly those who have experienced similar losses.
Jonathan Jackson as Lucky Spencer impressed in his heartfelt return storyline, reconnecting with family members and confronting regret over his years of absence as a father. Jackson, already a multiple Emmy winner, brought his characteristic depth to material that could have felt routine in less capable hands. Tajh Bellow as TJ Ashford shined in emotional breakup and graveside scenes that showcased his ability to convey grief and loss with subtlety and power.
Michael Graziadei as Daniel Romalotti lingers as a dark horse contender with grounded scenes opposite his sister Summer Newman (Allison Lanier) and Sharon and notably remains the only nominee still actively appearing on his soap opera, which could work in his favor with voters.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Outstanding Supporting Actress: Courtney Hope, Kate Mansi, & More
For Outstanding Supporting Actress, Courtney Hope leads for Sally Spectra‘s heartbreaking grief during the anniversary of her baby’s death, navigating the complicated emotions of loss while dealing with her breakup from Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) and finding comfort with Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson). Hope brought raw vulnerability to scenes that required her to access deep pain while maintaining the character’s essential strength and resilience.
Kate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos trails for her vulnerable yet defiant work in the surrogacy arc, a storyline that divided audiences but provided Mansi with substantial material to showcase her range. Despite frustrations with how the character was rewritten and the controversial nature of the surrogacy storyline itself, Mansi delivered layered performances that found the humanity in difficult situations.
Linsey Godfrey as Sarah Horton delivers emotional weight in hospital scenes after being struck by Fiona, capturing the physical and psychological aftermath of trauma. Susan Walters as Diane Jenkins brought depth to scenes dealing with the aftermath of learning Jack had taken pills and confronting issues with her son Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor), while Emily O’Brien as Theresa Donovan earned recognition for her goodbye scenes leaving Salem in shame.
O’Brien herself has indicated she doesn’t believe this is her year to win, showing the self-awareness that comes with understanding the competitive landscape. The category likely narrows to Hope versus Mansi, with Mansi’s layered performance potentially edging out Hope’s more predictable emotional beats, though both actresses delivered work worthy of recognition.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Lead Actor: Dominic Zamprogna, Peter Bergman, & More
The Lead Actor category highlights established veterans delivering career-defining work that reminds audiences why these performers have remained central to their shows for years. Dominic Zamprogna leads for his heart-wrenching portrayal of Dante Falconeri, navigating engagement scenes filled with hope and joy before being devastated by grief after Sam McCall’s (Kelly Monaco) death. Zamprogna has consistently delivered solid work throughout his tenure on General Hospital, and this material finally provided him with the showcase moments that position him for a deserved victory.
Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott remains a close contender with gripping moments opposite Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) during her emotional spiral, bringing decades of experience to scenes that required him to be both strong and vulnerable as he helped someone he cares about through crisis.
Greg Rikaart as Leo Stark earned notice for comedic warmth in babysitting scenes with Jude when Sloan had him, showing that Emmy-worthy work doesn’t always have to be heavy drama. Eric Martsolf as Brady Black and Paul Telfer as Xander Kiriakis add solid work to the category, with Telfer’s material involving his troublesome mother Fiona providing strong showcase moments, though both lack the standout narrative weight of the frontrunners.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions for Lead Actress: Michelle Stafford, Laura Wright, & More
In the Lead Actress category, Michelle Stafford heads the pack for Phyllis Summers‘ dramatic breakdowns following Heather Steven’s (Vail Bloom) death, though some critics call her range limited and note she’s been playing one note for a while. Stafford’s intensity and commitment to the character remain undeniable, but questions persist about whether she’s showing enough variety in her work.
Laura Wright as Carly Spencer impressed with heartfelt scenes at Bobbie’s funeral, bringing genuine emotion to moments that honored both the character and the late Jacklyn Zeman who portrayed her. Wright’s steady power and ability to anchor emotional storylines have made her one of daytime’s most reliable performers.
Nancy Lee Grahn as Alexis Davis offered restrained, introspective work that showcased a different kind of strength, proving that quiet moments can be just as powerful as explosive confrontations. Eileen Davidson as Ashley Abbott, Melissa Claire Egan as Chelsea Lawson with Connor-related material, and Sharon Case as Sharon Newman complete the field, with Case and Wright earning particular praise for depth and emotional authenticity.
Case’s work during the Linden Ashby storyline involving Heather demonstrated her ability to carry complex, dark material. While Stafford leads in early predictions, Wright’s steady excellence and Case’s resurgence keep this race wide open, and any of the three could walk away with the award.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Writing Team Awards and Controversy
In overall honors, General Hospital dominates the Writing Team and Outstanding Daytime Drama Series categories, positioning itself comfortably ahead of The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives. Despite The Young and the Restless‘s unexpected WGA guild award win in 2025, viewer frustration with repetitive pacing and uneven storylines under Josh Griffith’s leadership persists.
Many in the industry express confusion about how Y&R secured that victory, with the show often feeling like watching paint dry as storylines drag on far too long, causing audiences to lose interest even when the underlying material has potential. Josh Griffith has been characterized as a curse on the show, with calls for new leadership growing louder. General Hospital overcame its own writing turnover and revolving door of scribes to deliver cohesive, emotionally resonant storytelling that solidified its awards edge.
The nomination period fell during some of that upheaval, making the show’s ability to maintain quality even more impressive. Days of Our Lives showed creative bursts but remains uneven, swinging between vintage drama and campy extremes that sometimes border on parody. The show offers old-school soap entertainment that fans love for its willingness to try anything, but the tonal inconsistency can be jarring.
2025 Daytime Emmy Predictions: Beyond the Gates Rises and General Hospital Dominates
The consensus places General Hospital as the clear favorite to sweep major categories based on superior writing, stronger ensemble performances, and more consistent storytelling throughout the eligibility period. The show has managed to balance multiple storylines while giving its cast showcase material that demonstrates why soap operas remain a vital part of television. Yet industry buzz suggests the rising soap Beyond the Gates may disrupt this balance in coming years, pushing established dramas to evolve or risk losing dominance.
The new show represents fresh energy and innovation in a genre that sometimes struggles with staying relevant to younger audiences while honoring the traditions that made it successful. If General Hospital maintains its strong ensemble work and improved pacing, it could extend its winning streak and continue its reign as daytime’s premier drama.
However, a fresh wave of innovation across daytime could make this the last uncontested year for the long-reigning favorite, as competition increases and new voices bring different perspectives to storytelling. The landscape is shifting, and while General Hospital appears poised to triumph in 2025, the future may require adaptation and evolution to maintain its position at the top of daytime television.
