The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards delivered a night of celebration, with General Hospital securing its place in history with an unprecedented five-year winning streak for Best Drama Series, alongside powerhouse performances and creative triumphs. Beyond the drama, 99-year-old Sir David Attenborough charmed the world by becoming the oldest Emmy recipient, adding another legendary moment to daytime television history.
The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, proved to be another landmark event for daytime television, firmly cementing General Hospital‘s status as a dominant force. The beloved ABC soap opera not only continued its impressive winning streak for Outstanding Drama Series but also swept key creative categories, demonstrating its enduring appeal and exceptional craftsmanship.
General Hospital: A Dynasty Continues
For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year, General Hospital claimed the Emmy for Best Daytime Drama Series. This victory marks its 18th win in the category overall, further solidifying its legendary status in television history. Executive Producer Frank Valentini, alongside his dedicated cast and crew, accepted the prestigious award, a testament to the show’s consistent quality and the passionate work that goes into every episode.
The show’s triumph extended beyond the top prize, with significant wins in acting and behind-the-scenes categories. These accolades underscore the collective talent that brings Port Charles to life for millions of fans daily, as highlighted by TVLine‘s coverage of the ceremony.
Individual Acting Honors for General Hospital Stars
The talent on display in Port Charles was undeniable, with several General Hospital actors earning well-deserved recognition:
- Nancy Lee Grahn, who has portrayed the iconic character of Alexis Davis since 1996, earned her third career Emmy for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama. Grahn used her platform to deliver a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of fighting for democracy and human decency, carrying a clutch hand-lettered with “Democracy Dies in Silence,” as reported by The Associated Press.
- Jonathan Jackson, a fan favorite who originated the role of Lucky Spencer in 1993, took home the award for Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama. His return to the show has been a joy for many long-time viewers.
- Veteran actress Alley Mills received her second career Emmy for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama for her portrayal of Heather Webber. Mills, also known for her role in “The Wonder Years,” shared a message of optimism during challenging times, urging everyone to “keep our spirits high.”
Creative Triumphs: Writing, Directing, and Costume Design
The success of General Hospital is deeply rooted in the brilliant minds working behind the cameras. The show secured major wins in categories that recognize the meticulous artistry involved in producing daily drama:
- The General Hospital writing team, led by Elizabeth Korte, Patrick Mulcahey, Dan O’Connor, and Chris Van Etten, was honored with the Emmy for Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series.
- The directing team, including Jillian Dedote, Tina Keller, Robert Markham, Allison Reames Smith, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini, and Denise Van Cleave, received the award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series.
One of the most visually stunning aspects of any drama is its costume design, and General Hospital was recognized for its excellence in this area as well. The show won Outstanding Costume Design/Styling.
Costume Designer Shawn Reeves expressed his gratitude to Parade, stating, “I’ve never been more proud of our show than I am right now. We love what we do, and we love doing it for the fans. I’m also grateful for the Emmy win, but more excited that my crew was recognized for their hard work behind the scenes. They are the unsung heroes.”
David Attenborough: A Record-Breaking Legend
The 52nd Daytime Emmys also featured a truly historic moment: 99-year-old Sir David Attenborough became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner. Attenborough, a global icon whose career spans eight decades as a writer, host, and narrator, won the trophy for Daytime Personality, Non-Daily as host of Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” Although not present at the ceremony, his achievement resonated deeply, surpassing Dick Van Dyke‘s record set in 2024 at age 98.
Other Major Winners and Memorable Moments
While General Hospital dominated, other notable wins and emotional speeches added to the night’s excitement:
- Paul Telfer of Days of Our Lives, who plays Xander Kiriakis, won Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama. The Scottish actor dedicated his win to his late mother, who loved soaps and villains.
- First-time nominee Susan Walters, known for her role as Diane Jenkins on The Young and the Restless, earned the Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama award. She touchingly thanked her husband of 40 years, Linden Ashby, who was also nominated in the guest actor category.
- Drew Barrymore celebrated her first win as Daytime Talk Series Host for “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
- Live with Kelly and Mark, hosted by Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa, won for Daytime Talk Series.
- Entertainment Tonight secured the award for Entertainment News Series.
- Kardea Brown was recognized as Culinary Host for Food Network’s Delicious Miss Brown, which also won Culinary Instructional Series. Brown’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted her journey as a young Black woman from Charleston, South Carolina.
- Hot Bench took home the Emmy for Legal/Courtroom Program.
- Lisa Yamada of The Bold and the Beautiful won the Emerging Talent category, a new award replacing the younger actor/actress awards. Her tearful acceptance, proclaiming that “acting has been my dream since I gained consciousness,” was a highlight.
- Journalist Deborah Norville received the prestigious Career Achievement Award, acknowledging her impactful 30-year tenure as anchor of “Inside Edition.”
Even with General Hospital‘s widespread success, other shows claimed significant victories. Days of Our Lives secured the award for Outstanding Casting, preventing a clean sweep for Port Charles, and The Drew Barrymore Show earned an Emmy for Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup.
The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards showcased the vibrant and evolving landscape of daytime television, celebrating both enduring legacies and groundbreaking new talent. As always, the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the dedication and passion that drives this unique corner of the entertainment industry.
