File this under “we sure didn’t see that coming!” When nominations for the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy awards were announced this morning, CBS’s long-struggling GUIDING LIGHT — which has spent the past few years fighting premature rumors of its demise — walked away the big winner with 17 nominations. The news was a fitting tribute to broadcasting’s longest running show as it celebrates its 70th anniversary (the first 15 years of which were during the show’s radio days).
AS THE WORLD TURNS took second place thanks to its 12 nominations, while perennial Emmy darling GENERAL HOSPITAL could muster only 10 nods.
Among the leading ladies, the trophy will be fought over by Maura West (Carly, ATWT), Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL), Kim Zimmer (Reva, GL), Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R).
Their male counterparts are ATWT’s Michael Park (Jack), GH’s Anthony Geary (Luke), GL’s Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus), Y&R’s Peter Bergman (Jack) and Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc (Michael).
Supporting actress nods went to Lesli Kay (Felicia, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL), Genie Francis (Laura, GH), Rebecca Herbst (Liz, GH), Gina Tognoni (Dinah, GL), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) and Heather Tom (ex-Kelly, OLTL).
The supporting actors slugging it out are ATWT’s Trent Dawson (Henry), GH’s Rick Hearst (Ric), OLTL’s Dan Gauthier (ex-Kevin), Y&R’s Greg Rikaart (Kevin) and Y&R’s Kristoff St. John (Neil).
“But who,” we hear you asking, “got nominated in the younger actress category?” Glad you raised that question. The nominees are ALL MY CHILDREN’s Leven Rambin (Lily), ATWT’s Jennifer Landon (Gwen) and Alexandra Chando (Maddie), GH’s Julie Berman (Lulu) and GL’s Stephanie Gatschet (ex-Tammy).
In the younger actor arena, the contenders are Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT), Jesse Soffer (Will, ATWT), Tom Pelphrey (ex-Jonathan, GL), James Stevenson (Jared, PASSIONS) and Bryton McClure (Devon, Y&R).
For those of you keeping track, that means that DAYS OF OUR LIVES was completely shut out in the acting categories.
In the writing category, B&B, GH, GL and Y&R scored nods. And in the all-important outstanding drama (aka Best Show) field, it’ll be B&B, GL, OLTL and Y&R looking for a win. (Don’t even get us started on how OLTL can be a contender for best show but not best writing, and vice versa for GH.)
In non-sudsy categories, JEOPARDY, THE PRICE IS RIGHT and WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE will fight for the right to be called outstanding game/audience participation show.
Best talk show host nods went to the ladies at THE VIEW (Babs, get ready to thank Rosie for your win), Dr. Phil, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks (yeah, right!), Rachael Ray and SOAPTALK’s co-hosts, Lisa Rinna and Ty Treadway. As for outstanding talk show, the nominations are DR. PHIL, THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, THE TYRA BANKS SHOW (sorry, we need a moment to compose ourselves following our gigglefest), RACHAEL RAY and THE VIEW.
Our personal picks? GH’s Francis (if that show doesn’t bring Laura back to the canvas fulltime and let this woman shine, heads should roll), GL’s Pelphrey and Gatschet (whose kissing-cousins storyline helped kick-start the show, which has continued to soar by focusing on the death of her character and the departure of his) and Y&R’s Stafford (although, frankly, it’s time to pump some life back into her formerly fierce alter ego). As for the best show, we’d love to see GL rewarded for its hard work, or B&B (which doesn’t get nearly the recognition it deserves). Our fondest wish: That the voters not reward Y&R, which went from “must see” to “ugh, I can’t watch” in a matter of months thanks to new head scribe Lynn Marie Latham.
But let’s hear from you… who do you think deserves to walk away with the little gold statuette? 
