Daytime Emmys Eliminate Outstanding Younger Performer Category, Split Up Daytime Host Race

Eden McCoy was the last big winner: The Outstanding Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama category will be history at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, along with the Outstanding Promotional Announcement.

That means no more awkward competitions between kids and young adults. This year was particularly odd, since McCoy, 20, was competing against two boys — Henry Joseph Samiri, 10, of The Bold and the Beautiful and Cary Christopher, 7, of Days of Our Lives.

Other changes announced by NATAS include merging Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Non-Fiction Series and Outstanding Writing for Daytime Non-Fiction Special into Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program. The Daytime Program Host category has also been split into two categories – Daytime Personality Daily, and Daytime Personality Non-Daily.

“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.” 

The Call for Entries for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will open Feb. 1.

Hosts, Co-Hosts, and Correspondents from Entertainment News and Legal/Courtroom Programs (e.g. the judges and bailiffs) are now eligible within the Daytime Personality – Daily or Daytime Personality – Non-Daily category depending on airing/streaming schedule. They also remain eligible in their respective Program categories but cannot win two Emmy statuettes for the same function, e.g. if a Program wins Outstanding Program and the Hosts win Outstanding Daytime Personality, the statuette defaults to the Host entry. Hosts from the same Program will be included in a single entry with all Hosts, Co-Hosts, Anchors and Correspondents on the same submission and the reel must contain footage that highlights all entrants. 

For Daytime Hosts, the Talk Series Host and Culinary Host categories remain unchanged.

In terms of those who petition for off-list credits, Late Credit additions are still permitted, as per the parameters above, but ONLY for on-list credits. Off-list credits must be submitted at the time of entry to allow for Awards Administration to seek a full petition if warranted. Off-list credits cannot be submitted late.

For categories identified as Music Categories (these are Music Direction and Composition and Original Song in the Daytime Emmys), nominees will be required to provide complete publishing information and sign an additional NATAS-issued licensing agreement allowing NATAS to use the music featured in the Ceremony Clip(s). The information will be distributed to nominees only. Failure to provide adequate information AND proper contact information for a legally authorized signer will result in a different clip being selected or replacement of the music with rights-cleared music at NATAS’ discretion.

NATAS will be offering weekly webinars every Tuesday at 3 PM ET/12:00 PM PT during the entry process to explain the process and answer questions. After the submission window is completed, the administration team will send out further information regarding Zooms dedicated entirely to judging.

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy timeline:

Entry fees for program categories are $425 with a late fee of $500. Performer, host and craft category fees are $350 with a late fee of $400. Additional details for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be announced in the coming weeks/months.