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Santa Barbara's Legacy Celebrated at 2026 Daytime Emmys
31 Oct
Summary
- A Martinez honored the soap opera Santa Barbara at the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
- The show ran for nine seasons, earning 24 Emmy wins out of 74 nominations.
- Martinez received seven nominations and won an Emmy for his role.
A Martinez recently honored the enduring legacy of the soap opera Santa Barbara at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards. The ceremony took place at the Hollywood Palladium, where Martinez, who portrayed Cruz Castillo, reflected on the show's cultural impact and the strong sense of family it fostered among its viewers and cast. The popular series, which debuted in July 1984, aired for nine seasons, concluding in 1993.
During its near decade-long run, Santa Barbara achieved significant critical acclaim, securing 74 Daytime Emmy nominations and winning 24 awards. A Martinez was a notable recipient, earning seven nominations and the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 1990 for his role. His presence at the 2026 ceremony was part of a larger tribute to classic daytime dramas, with other actors also celebrating shows like Passions and Guiding Light.
