The 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards are approaching fast, and this year’s predictions generate more excitement than ever. Across all major soap operas, actors delivered extraordinary performances — and the early forecasts reveal which stars may be taking home the gold. Let’s break down the leading contenders across each major category.

Rising Star Category: Lisa Yamada Leads a Fierce Competition

The Emerging Talent race is being dominated by Lisa Yamada, whose portrayal of Luna Nozawa took viewers on a shocking journey from innocence to instability. Her unraveling during the Steffy Forrester cage arc and the powerful scenes surrounding her arrest showcased an emotional depth that has captivated both fans and critics. She stands as the clear favorite to win.

Ashley Puzemis also earns high marks as Holly Jonas, grappling with guilt and inner conflict after letting Tate shoulder blame for her actions. Meanwhile, Annalyn’s turn as Cat Green — particularly during her impersonation of Abigail — delivered layers of deception that kept audiences hooked. Christian Weissman’s unsettling portrayal of stalker Remy Price rounded out the group with a chilling performance. Still, most analysts agree that Yamada’s tour-de-force villain transformation makes her the one to beat.

Outstanding Guest Appearance: Ally Mills Out Front

In the Guest Performer category, Ally Mills emerges as the frontrunner for her intense but concise reprisal as Heather Webber. Despite limited scenes, she brought nuance and emotional clarity to a character navigating release from prison and difficult goodbyes.

Right behind her is Lynden Ashby, whose chilling return as Cameron Kirsten on The Young and the Restless brought a sinister energy to every scene, particularly his psychological torment of Sharon. Additional standouts — including Valerie Pettiford as Amy Lewis, Clint Howard as Tom Starr, Jacqueline Grace Lopez as Blaze, and Avery Pohl as Esme Prince — all delivered memorable, short-term arcs. Pettiford, playing a mother battling cancer while revealing a hidden family connection, may surprise voters with her gripping emotional authenticity. But Mills’ longstanding reputation and consistent excellence keep her in front for now.

Best Supporting Actor: Harrison’s Heartbreak Shines

Gregory Harrison’s emotional portrayal of Gregory Chase — especially during the heartbreaking wedding scenes where his ALS battle reached its peak — positions him as the likely winner. His ability to balance joy for his son with the looming shadow of his own mortality resonated deeply with viewers.

Jonathan Jackson’s return as Lucky Spencer offered another standout performance, as he confronted years of regret and slowly rebuilt fractured family ties. Tajh Bellow also delivered moving work as TJ Ashford, particularly during powerful graveside scenes. Michael Graziadei’s steady presence as Daniel Romalotti remains a dark-horse contender, bolstered by the fact that he is the only nominee still regularly featured onscreen. That visibility could sway voters.

Best Supporting Actress: Courtney Hope and Kate Mansi Neck-and-Neck

Courtney Hope rises to the top for her portrayal of Sally Spectra’s devastating grief over the anniversary of her baby’s death while navigating heartbreak with Adam and finding unexpected comfort in Billy. Her work combined vulnerability with tenacity, showcasing multiple emotional layers.

Kate Mansi’s powerful performance as Kristina Corinthos during the controversial surrogacy storyline challenged her with heavy material. Despite fan divisions, Mansi delivered deeply felt work that highlighted the character’s fear, pride, and emotional rawness. Lindsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton), Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins), and Emily O’Brien (Teresa Donovan) all earned recognition as well, but the category ultimately appears to be a tight race between Hope’s aching vulnerability and Mansi’s fiery intensity.

Lead Actor: Zamprogna and Bergman Top the Field

Dominic Zamprogna becomes the leading contender for his unforgettable work as Dante Falconeri. Scenes depicting his joyful engagement followed by shattering grief after Sam’s death gave him some of the strongest material of the year. His emotional restraint and authenticity earned widespread acclaim.

Peter Bergman remains close behind with gripping scenes opposite Nikki Newman during her relapse and emotional crisis. Leo Stark, Eric Martsolf, and Paul Telfer all turned in strong performances, though they lack the narrative momentum pushing Zamprogna and Bergman toward the top.

Lead Actress: A Three-Way Battle

Michelle Stafford appears early in the lead for her explosive, grief-driven breakdowns as Phyllis, though some argue her work feels repetitive. Laura Wright’s heartfelt portrayal of Carly at Bobbie’s funeral delivered some of her most grounded, poignant scenes in years — making her a serious contender. Sharon Case’s resurgence, especially during the Cameron Kirsten arc, showed her remarkable emotional depth.

This category is wide open, with Stafford’s power, Wright’s consistency, and Case’s layered performances all making strong cases for victory.

Best Writing and Best Drama: General Hospital Dominates

General Hospital is positioned to sweep the writing and drama awards thanks to cohesive, emotionally rich storytelling — even during periods of behind-the-scenes upheaval. The Young and the Restless, despite its surprising WGA win, continues to draw criticism for sluggish pacing and uneven plots. Days of Our Lives brings excitement and unpredictability but struggles with tone. Meanwhile, the newcomer Beyond the Gates hints at a potential shake-up in future awards cycles.

A Historic Year Ahead

The 2025 awards are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. No category feels locked, and the performances across all soaps delivered seismic emotional impact. From heartbreaking losses to shocking confessions and character transformations, Daytime television has never been more competitive — setting the stage for a ceremony full of surprises.