The Daytime Emmys are celebrating their 52nd anniversary in 2025 with notable changes, including unique dates for the nominations announcement and awards ceremony, alongside the introduction of new categories and elimination of others. These awards are governed by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), which also oversees the Sports, News & Documentary, and Children’s & Family Emmys. The eligibility period covers the 2024 calendar year.
Nominations Announcement and Ceremony Dates
The 2025 Daytime Emmy nominations will be announced on Thursday, July 10 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. This marks a shift from the usual spring timeline, as the schedule was swapped with the News & Documentary Emmy Awards. The awards ceremony will take place in October 2025, approximately four months later than usual; however, the specific date, venue, and host are yet to be announced.
New Categories for 2025
Among the new additions, the Best Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category will debut, with eligibility criteria focused on performers early in their Daytime drama careers. Additionally, the Best Culinary Series is now split into Best Culinary Instructional Series and Best Culinary Cultural Series, while the Best Travel, Nature, and Adventure category has been divided into Best Travel and Adventure Program and Best Nature and Science Program.
Eliminated Categories
The Best Original Song and Best Educational and Informational Program categories have been removed. The latter’s eligible programming will now compete under culinary, travel, adventure, nature, science categories, or be considered within the Children’s & Family Emmys or News & Documentary Emmys.
Daytime vs. Primetime vs. Children’s & Family Emmys
NATAS clarifies distinctions among the Emmy ceremonies based on content type:
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Daytime Emmys cover genres such as Daytime Dramas (soap operas), Culinary Instructional, Culinary Cultural, Talk Series, Lifestyle, Arts, Travel, Nature, Legal, Entertainment News, and more. Mature or TV-MA rated fictional programming is excluded.
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Primetime Emmys focus on Drama, Comedy, Miniseries, Variety, Talk Shows, Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adult Animation, Game Shows, and similar genres.
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Children’s & Family Emmys include programming for Children, Family Viewing, Preschool, Animation, Non-Fiction, and Reality Competitions involving children.
Gendered Acting Categories
While some award shows have merged gendered acting categories, the Daytime Emmys maintain separate male and female awards. Performers may choose to enter the category that best fits their gender identity. Winners and nominees can request removal of “Actor” or “Actress” from their trophies or certificates.
Key Acting Awards to Watch on July 10:
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Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series
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Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series
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Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
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Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
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Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series
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Best Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Stay updated with Gold Derby for full 2025 Daytime Emmy nominations coverage and detailed analysis.
