The nominations for the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are out and it’s an exciting lineup!

This year’s ballot features a number of first-time nominees, an impressive debut from Beyond the Gates in its first year of eligibility, and a strong reflection of the standout performances and programming that defined the past year in daytime television.

I’ve been fortunate to attend my fair share of Daytime Emmy ceremonies since becoming a part of this world in 1990. From Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, each ceremony has been memorable. I’ve also attended the legendary Bell luncheon at the Rainbow Room (IYKYK) more than once and I was there when Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, All My Children) finally captured her long-awaited golden girl on her 19th try. It’s always one of the best nights of the year and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the soap community.

I had the chance to speak with several of this year’s nominees about what the recognition means to them, so read on to see their reactions.

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, CA.

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Outstanding Daytime Drama Series

Beyond the Gates

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress

Stacy Haiduk (Kristen, Days)

Karla Mosley (Dani, BTG)

Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R)

Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful)

Tamara Tunie (Anita, BTG)

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor

Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R)

Steve Burton (Jason, GH)

Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B)

Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, B&B)

Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)

Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress

Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, Days)

Camryn Grimes (Mariah, Y&R)

Beth Maitland (Tracy, Y&R)

Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie, BTG)

Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn, GH)

Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor

Sean Dominic (Nate, Y&R)

Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill, BTG)

Michael Graziadei (Daniel, Y&R)

Roger Howarth (Matt, Y&R)

Mike Manning (Smitty, BTG)

Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, B&B)

Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series

Braedyn Bruner (Emma, GH)

Al Calderon (ex-Javi, Days)

Alice Halsey (ex-Rachel, Days)

Giovanni Mazza (Gio, GH)

Ambyr Michelle (Eva, BTG)

Arielle Prepetit (Naomi, BTG)

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series

Jasmine Burke (June, BTG)

Jeff Kober (ex-Cyrus, GH)

Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia, GH)

Christopher Sean (Paul, Days)

Ray Wise (ex-Ian, Y&R)

Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series

Beyond the Gates

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

Karla Mosley (Dani, BTG)

What did you submit? “At first, I was very daunted by the task of putting the reel together and then I just decided to have fun with it and to put together the things that I was most proud of and excited by. Of course I started with the golf club moment, and then the wedding, and then a little banter with Andre in Uptown when she’s talking about Ashley, which was one of my most favorite scenes from last year. And then the scene where Chelsea comes out, which is a beautiful, beautiful scene, and then a quick snipper from the mug shot photo shoot, and then a scene with Bill. I was so, so blessed to have such an incredible range of material last year and to really be able to showcase everything that I can do.”

How did you feel when you heard Tamara Tunie (Anita) was nominated in the same category? “I texted Tamara right away. I said, ‘Mom, congratulations,’ and she said, ‘You, too, my baby.’ We were able to share just a really beautiful hug the next morning when we finally saw each other, and then we were all together as the other nominations were rolling in and everyone was in the hair and makeup room just screaming and hugging each other and applauding. It was a big party and a big celebration.'“

Are you looking forward to the leading ladies lunch? “Yeah, I am. It was one of the first things I thought about when I found out I was nominated. I can finally go to the lunch. I can’t wait. I also texted Thorsten [Kaye] and I was like, ‘Can we at least like hang out?’ Thorsten and Linsey Godfrey and Lawrence and I were all on Bold and the Beautiful [where Karla played Maya] at the same time, and those are my buddies. I would love to see all of those people.”

Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) 

What did you submit? “I submitted the aftermath of when Sharon and Phyllis were locked in the room by Martin Laurent. Phyllis was having panic attacks. I did have a show with Michael Damian [Danny], where she sort of gives up on loving him and it was really beautiful. Sometimes you get those shows where you have a portal into the character’s soul and it’s very still and very real, and I felt that in these scenes.”

Have you started thinking about what you’re going to wear? “No. I have time to think about that. I once put something on and it was ripped, and I had to take something else out of my closet to wear the Emmys. The red dress I wore two years ago when I won, I had a backup dress because I wasn’t really sure about it, and then I was standing in line with Linsey Godfrey and we were wearing the same dress. And I said, ‘Oh, my God. I’m okay with it. Are you okay?’ She said, ‘I’m totally okay ‘ I said, ‘’Cause I got another one upstairs. I will absolutely change.’ And she said, ‘No! We’re wearing the same dress!’ And I thought that was very cool and she was very cool.”

This is your 14^th nomination. What does that mean to you? “It feels good for everyone. It’s like life. You lose sometimes, you win sometimes. It feels much better to win.”

Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, Days)

What did you submit? “I submitted these scenes where Xander confronts Sarah and it’s just the breakdown kind of their relationship. I had spoken with Noel Maxam [co-executive producer] beforehand, and I was like, ‘I’m not backing down. I do not want Sarah to be weak.’ I, Linsey, do not like playing a weak woman, and I’m so much smaller than Paul [Telfer, Xander], but I was like, ‘I really want to rip into it and be as strong as possible and be a mom who’s looking out for the best interest of her child.’ So it was all those scenes.”

This is your seventh nomination. How does that feel for you? “I’m flattered and it makes me feel like other people think I’m good at my job. I was saying to my niece — because my family just knows me as the silly, wacky Linsey — but I was like, ‘I think I’m actually pretty well respected in my genre.’ So, it just feels really nice. You forget that you put in the effort and people see it. People are always very complimentary of me when I do interact with them, and they’re always very complimentary of me at the Emmys, so it feels really great. It feels like an accomplishment for sure.”

What you look forward to most about Emmy night? “I get pretty excited when it’s over because of the stress of it. But my favorite thing about Emmy night is when I get to see people from other shows that I don’t get to typically see. And to see my B&B friends [where she played Caroline from 2012-18]. The awards are amazing, the recognition is amazing, but for me, getting to hang out with these people that I don't normally get to see, that I don't get to interact with anymore, and who I adore, and I adored working with or I've just adored through making friendships with, is a beautiful experience.”

Beth Maitland (Traci, Y&R)

What is your favorite thing about Emmy night? “After the announcement of Best Supporting Actress category, then I can finally relax and enjoy myself. Beforehand, it’s pretty stressful. I have to admit, I am not a party goer. I’m basically shy, so I don’t really like groups of people. I don’t really know ever what to say. But win or lose, we’ve already won. We’re all there, and we’re a part of this. This sounds corny, but I’m so sincere. This is amazing community in daytime, and we’re there to celebrate each other.”

For someone who won her first trophy 41 years ago, what does it mean to you that you’re in the conversation again? “It speaks to the tenacity of the daytime community and that core characters can go on for decades. I just don’t know how that exists in other areas of entertainment. It’s so extraordinary, and for me, what I think is the most meaningful about all of this is that by now in life, people have faced a lot of challenges personally and professionally, and there has been trauma and tragedy. There have been triumphs and celebrations, and I guess the lesson here is you just have to keep going. And I’m a really good example of that. There have been many comings and goings over 44 years, but you just keep going. You do your best every day. You bring it in at every opportunity. You don't waste any single chance to ply your trade. At my age, to still be doing what I love, I don't know if there are that many people that can say the same.”

What does the ballot say to you about the state of daytime? “I’m thrilled that Beyond the Gates got so many acknowledgements. Anything that is new and good for daytime is new and good for all of us, and so we’re so encouraged that there is success in that field. I couldn’t be happier that it looks to me like there is interest and attention in the daytime marketplace, and that we’re shoring up a little bit from all of our losses over the last 20 years.”

Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie, BTG)

How did you react to see your name in the hunt for Supporting Actress? “Well, I’m not one of the leads, and I don’t see myself as an emerging talent, even though it’s my first soap opera. I have been in this business since I was 27 years old, or young, shall I say, and from stage to TV to film for 27 years before I got the call for Beyond the Gates. So, at the age of 27, I moved to LA, and then 27 years later, I get this call for Beyond the Gates, and this has been such an amazing ride.”

Leslie has been given so much to do, and you’ve been given so much to do. How does that make you feel? “I am so grateful for this character because I get to show layers and different dynamics of one person. Sometimes she can be extra and over the top, and other times she can be vulnerable and emotional, and then she can be angry. She can be facetious. She can be manipulative and cold, and she can be narcissistic — so many different things. I have so much fun playing with this character and finding nuances. So. So I love it.”

What has being on Beyond the Gates meant to your life and your career? “It’s been phenomenal. It has impacted me in such a way that I’m like, ‘Wow! Thank you, God!’ Here I am, within a two-year period, where it took me 27 years just to get to this production, and now in less than two years, here I am, and I’m nominated for an Emmy. Such a blessing, such a moment to experience, and I am wowed. I am moved. I am grateful. I’m happy. This this whole role has impacted me in a way that I see where I can go, and there is no limit. The only limit that we have is the limit that we create. So this is a whole moment, and I’m sincerely in awe of being in this position right now. And because I'm here at this point today, I have a responsibility, and that responsibility is making sure that others know my story, know my journey, understand that they shouldn't compromise. Know that it's not just about acting; it’s about making a difference.”

Mike Manning (Smitty, BTG)

How does it feel to be nominated with many of your BTG coworkers? “The energy on set the day that we found out was magical. We’ve all felt like this show is special from day one. Everybody on set works so incredibly hard and is so incredibly good at their jobs, and the fact that we’re being recognized in the way that we are is amazing. I think people recognize that Beyond the Gates signifies a renaissance in daytime. CBS is putting a lot of firepower behind the show and it’s sort of breathing new life into daytime television in general, so I think a lot of people are rooting for us.”

What scenes did you submit? “I’ve always been told that you want to tell a story with your reel for in case the voter doesn’t watch the show and you want to put some of your more powerful scenes first. So, I wanted to set the stage with Smitty as a reporter, so the first scene I submitted was him in the police station with his Clark Kent glasses on and his notepad, trying to talk to Jacob about their latest case. And then after that, I told the story of the Smitty and Martin marriage being on the rocks and having a rough time because of the secret that Martin was keeping. I think the scene after that was Smitty crying to Martin, begging him to open up and to share what was tearing him and their marriage apart. There was a lot of emotion and crying. And then after that, I chose scenes that told the rest of the story of how that was revealed and how it affected their marriage. I think I was very lucky with the material that the writers gave me.”

You’ve won before for The Bay. Where do you keep your Emmy? “It used to be in Los Angeles, but I have since transported her to my place here in Atlanta and she sits right by my entryway.”

Lawrence Saint Victor (Carter, B&B)

What scenes did you submit? “The first scene is after Carter gave back the company and promises Hope that everything is going to be fine and they go back and forth and really butt heads. And then the next thing is with Daphne and he’s in the dumps because of Hope. And then the next one is when Carter lets Hope go after he learns that Liam is going to be okay and the brain tumor is not a tumor, it was all a lie, and it’s obvious that Hope wants to be with Liam and her family.”

You began your daytime career as Remy on Guiding Light 20 years ago, and now you’re nominated for both acting and writing. What would the Lawrence back then think? “I think he hoped and dreamed that he would turn into the Lawrence of today, but you just never know. I’m pretty much the same as I was on Guiding Light. I look at this as such a privilege. I still pinch myself every day I go to work. So, on Guiding Light, it was like, ‘I’m so happy to be here. I’ll never take a day for granted and I’m gonna come back every day and earn my spot. It’s not given just because I did a good job yesterday.’ And that’s kind of how I am today. So, I think Lawrence from back then would be happy to see that over the years, he remained consistent, he remained optimistic, and he didn’t let the ups and downs change how we see this thing. So, I think he would be pleased.”

How does it feel to be nominated for the first time in the same year that your GL co-star Karla Mosley is? “I’m so proud of her. She’s like my ride or die, and the fact that we're both nominated for the first time as actors and at the same time, it’s kind of this synergy thing we’ve always had since we met each other. And for her to be given the responsibility of being that vixen right out the gate and establish an entire world and to do it with class and grace and professionalism on top of the intense workload, I can give Karla her flowers all day long.” 

Arielle Prepetit (Naomi, BTG)

What did you submit? “I submitted a bunch of different things because I feel like Naomi didn’t have one specific, juicy storyline. So I submitted my relationship with my father because he’s marrying my best friend and I have a confrontation with him. And then Naomi ends up suing his law firm on behalf of these three women that are suing the firm, so I submitted a very lawyer jargon-heavy scene where I’m going back and forth with him. I submitted a scene from when my sister gets kidnapped and I kind of feel like I have no control and I can’t help her in any way, and then I get to confront her kidnapper. So, it kind of is all over the place, but it’s stuff that I felt really proud of and shows who Naomi is. This shows who I am as an actor, and I’m really proud of these scenes because either I had a lot of fun with them or I was really able to get to an emotional state that I wanted to. So I feel good about my reel.”

What does it mean to you to be part of such a historic moment for the show? “I mean, just to be a part of this show at all, I feel so much pride to be a part of this cast and to be a part of it from the very beginning. I’m very proud of this show. I’m very proud of our cast because we all work so hard, because we all genuinely care, because it is so historic, because you don’t see a wealthy black family like this on daytime. It hasn't happened in 35 years, so I really feel like we all are so proud. I’m having the time of my life. We really are like a family, and I just feel so incredibly lucky to go to work every day with this group of people. I’m just so grateful and blessed.”

Christopher Sean (Paul, Days)

What did you submit for your reel? “I submitted my eulogy for John Black, Drake Hogestyn, my on-screen father, and I also submitted Paul’s wedding [to Andrew]. So, I submitted the darkest period of Paul’s life, and I submitted the brightest moment of Paul’s life, and I felt like that was a very beautiful nod to a wonderful run on Days of our Lives.”

How did you feel that the show gave you such rich material to play? “To be trusted with that is incredible. The writing team is incredible — that’s why they’re nominated again. Just for them to believe in me and to give me this opportunity is monumental and I’m touched. I’m honored.”

Is there anyone who reached out that was of particular significance to you since the news came out? “The feedback from Days has been incredible. Ryan Quan [co-head writer], Linsey Godfrey [Sarah], Stacey Haiduk [Kristen], Paul Telfer [Xander], Eric Martsolf [Brady] — everyone I love on the show has been so freaking awesome reaching out. Alice Halsey [ex-Rachel] reached out. My goal has always been to kind of plant seeds everywhere I go and just support and help: ‘What can I do to help you? What can I do to support you?’ And I try not to expect anything in return. So to get to the point where I can kind of turn back with this major milestone and just say, ‘Oh, man, I did it,’ and every person cheering for me that I’ve been able to help along the way? Yeah, that feels good.”

Check out these Daytime Emmy-themed articles I wrote for TV Insider.