Aunt Traci Wins & So Does Genoa City’s Most Famous Rapist

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The 53rd Daytime Emmys opened with Traci Abbott winning, & honestly, that was enough for me to call it a night & go to bed happy. I didn’t, though. I kept watching, because Young & the Restless‘s most famous rapist was up for an Emmy too. Oh, what a night…

Aunt Traci Wins & the Heart of Genoa City Gets Her Due

Beth Maitland took Outstanding Supporting Actress, decades after her first Daytime Emmy. “I was equally as gobsmacked back then as a young actress, and I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to be here,” she said. Everyone needs an Aunt Traci, & on Friday night, everyone got one. I called this one from day one, & I’m not done gloating.

Matt Clark Wins & Roger Howarth Pulled Off the Impossible

Roger Howarth won Outstanding Supporting Actor for Matt Clark. That’s the same Matt Clark who raped Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) back in the day. Roger Howarth made that man likable, which is exactly why he deserved this Emmy. It’s his second win, more than 30 years after his first for Todd Manning on One Life to Live. Love him or hate him, you can’t look away.

My pick in this category was BTG’s Bill Hamilton, but Matt was my backup. The best part? The Town Hobo, Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei), didn’t win, so no screaming at my TV required.

The Rest of the Night

Young & the Restless walked in with 18 nominations & walked out with three wins, including costume design. Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) lost Lead Actor to Scott Clifton (Liam, The Bold & the Beautiful), & The Mustache did not look amused. Phyllis Summers lost Lead Actress to BTG’s Tamara Tunie (Anita). General Hospital took both Drama Series & Writing, & Days of Our Lives won Directing.

Related: My 2026 Daytime Emmy Picks: Victor, Traci & Why BTG Is Taking Over

How Did My Ballot Do?

Three direct hits & one backup. Both of my rock-paper-scissors calls landed: BTG’s Anita (Tamara Tunie) took Lead Actress & Eva (Ambyr Michelle) won Emerging Talent. The new kids went 2 for 15 in their first year, & Y&R went 2 for 18. Make of that what you will.

Next up: November 11, when the new writers FINALLY take over Genoa City.

Did your favorites win, or are you still screaming at your TV? It’s not my first day watching Y&R & it isn’t yours either. What’s your take?

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