The 2024 Daytime Emmys will look a little different this year, and every year going forward. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has decided to do away with two categories and merge two others for their 51st annual award show. And one of those decisions will have a direct impact on the soaps.
NATAS Shifts The Categories
In a major shift, there will no longer be a category for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama. Instead, the minors will now submit themselves with their adult counterparts in the Lead, Supportive, or Guest categories.
This is not the first time there has been a shift for the younger actors. In 2020, NATAS merged their gendered categories, Outstanding Younger Actress and Outstanding Younger Actor into one. In 2022, the age limit was changed from under 25 to under 22. And one year later the limit was lowered to 18.
Per Adam Sharp, President of NATAS, “Programming is always changing, and NATAS continues to adapt its competition rules to reflect these shifts in the television landscape,” said Adam Sharp, President of NATAS. “We’re looking forward to gathering again at the 51st Daytime Emmys to celebrate all the nominees and the entertaining and enlightening programs they create.”
Eden McCoy took home the coveted award last year which marked her first ever win. She was nominated in 2019 and 2020 for her role as Josslyn Jacks on General Hospital.
Other Upcoming Changes
Additional changes to the program are the elimination of the Outstanding Promotional Announcement and the merging of the Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Non-Fiction Series and Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Non-Fiction Special. This will now be known as Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program.
Splitting categories is Daytime Program Host. The show will now host awards for Daytime Personality — Daily as well as Daytime Personality — Non-Daily.
What do you think of these changes? Which daytime stars would you like to see nominated this year? Let us know in the comment section below!
