GH SWEEPS MAJOR CATEGORIES, PAUL TELFER AND NANCY LEE GRAHN WIN LEAD ACTOR AWARDS
TL;DR: The 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards took place on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Pasadena, California, with General Hospital dominating the night by winning Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actress, Supporting Actor, Guest Performance, Writing Team, and Directing Team. Meanwhile Drew Barrymore took home her first Emmy for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host, and Paul Telfer won Lead Actor for his role as Xander Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. It was a night of celebration for daytime television’s biggest stars!
General Hospital’s Historic Night
General Hospital had an absolutely MASSIVE night at the 2025 Daytime Emmys, taking home six major awards including the coveted Outstanding Daytime Drama Series trophy. The ABC soap beat out Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless for the top prize, cementing its status as one of daytime’s most beloved shows.
Nancy Lee Grahn won Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress for her role as Alexis Davis on General Hospital. Grahn beat out a competitive field that included Sharon Case, Eileen Davidson, Melissa Claire Egan, Michelle Stafford from The Young and the Restless, and her co-star Laura Wright.
In the Supporting Actor category, Jonathan Jackson took home the Emmy for his portrayal of Lucky Spencer on General Hospital. Jackson‘s return to the show has been highly praised by fans and critics alike, and his win confirms his status as one of daytime’s most talented performers.
Alley Mills won Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series for her role as Heather Webber on General Hospital, beating out nominees from The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and fellow GHcast members.
General Hospital also swept the technical categories, winning both Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series and Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series. These wins highlight the incredible behind-the-scenes talent that brings Port Charles to life every day.
Paul Telfer Takes Home Lead Actor Emmy
Paul Telfer won Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor for his role as Xander Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. Telfer beat out a strong field of nominees including Peter Bergman (The Young and the Restless), Eric Martsolf (Days of Our Lives), Greg Rikaart (Days of Our Lives), and Dominic Zamprogna (General Hospital).
Telfer‘s portrayal of Xander has been a fan favorite for years, and his win recognizes the depth and complexity he brings to the character. From Xander‘s criminal past to his redemption arc and current storylines, Telfer has consistently delivered powerful performances.
Susan Walters Wins Supporting Actress
Susan Walters won Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress for her role as Diane Jenkins Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Walters beat out nominees from Days of Our Lives and General Hospital, including Linsey Godfrey, Courtney Hope, Kate Mansi, and Emily O’Brien.
Walters‘ portrayal of Diane has brought wit, intelligence, and complexity to The Young and the Restless, and her chemistry with Peter Bergman‘s Jack Abbott has been a highlight of the show.
Drew Barrymore’s First Emmy Win
Drew Barrymore took home her FIRST Emmy Award, winning Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host for The Drew Barrymore Show. Barrymore beat out fellow nominees Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb (Today With Hoda and Jenna), Kelly Clarkson (The Kelly Clarkson Show), Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa (Live With Kelly and Mark), and Jennifer Hudson (The Jennifer Hudson Show).
Barrymore‘s warm, authentic hosting style has made The Drew Barrymore Show a daytime favorite, and her first Emmy win is a testament to her connection with audiences and guests alike.
Live With Kelly and Mark Wins Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
Live With Kelly and Mark won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series, beating out The Drew Barrymore Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The View. The show’s winning streak continues under the co-hosting team of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.
Entertainment Tonight Takes Home Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Entertainment Tonight won Outstanding Entertainment News Series, with its team of Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith, and Nischelle Turner also winning Outstanding Daytime Personality – Daily. ET beat out Access Hollywood, E! News, and Extra in the Entertainment News Series category.
Delicious Miss Brown Wins Outstanding Culinary Series
Delicious Miss Brown won Outstanding Culinary Series, beating out Be My Guest With Ina Garten, Emeril Cooks, Lidia’s Kitchen, and Selena + Restaurant.
Complete List of 2025 Daytime Emmy Winners
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
A Night to Remember
The 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, hosted by Mario Lopez for the fourth time, celebrated the best of daytime television at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. From General Hospital‘s dominating performance to Drew Barrymore‘s first Emmy win, the night was full of memorable moments and well-deserved recognition for daytime’s brightest stars.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who make daytime television the beloved genre it is today!
