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Daytime Emmys Shake Up Nominations for 2026
19 Mar
Summary
- Daytime dramas and non-fiction shows will now compete together.
- Guest actor eligibility requires appearing in 19% of episodes.
- Category nomination numbers will be directly tied to submissions.
Submissions for the 2026 Daytime Emmys are now open, bringing several rule changes from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). A major shift sees daytime dramas and non-fiction programs competing against each other in most categories, with exceptions for writing and directing.
Craft categories will feature episode-based nominations instead of team-based submissions, potentially allowing multiple nominations per show. For guest performers, eligibility in the Daytime Drama category requires appearing in 19% of episodes aired or streamed in 2025.
Category nomination counts will now directly correlate with submission numbers. For instance, 10-29 submissions result in five nominations, while 150 or more submissions can lead to ten nominations. The Outstanding Science and Nature Program category has been eliminated, with relevant shows moving to the News and Documentary or Primetime Emmys.
Additionally, categories will be defined by 'studio' or 'non-studio' filming styles rather than 'multi-cam' or 'single-cam.' Judging will involve members from NATAS and the Television Academy. The 2026 Daytime Emmys ceremony is scheduled for October 30.
