Leading the pack for the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy’s, CBS exec’s must be feeling pretty good right now. Both Guiding Light and The Young and the Restless came out ahead in the important nominations (acting, writing, and drama series). ABC managed to squeeze out a few nods including best drama for General Hospital and One Life to Live. Days of Our Lives, however, had their best showing ever, with four acting nominees.

So let’s discuss the major races…

Lead actress

Maura West (Carly, ATWT)Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL)
Nicole Forester (Cassie, GL)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R)
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R)

Once again, Kristin Alfonso (Hope, Days) was not included among the top ladies. What exactly does this leading lady have to do? I truly believe that the industry is showing a lack of respect towards the leading ladies of Days due to some strange and unconventional storylines (Marlena’s the devil, anyone?). However, that being said, I wouldn’t take the nomination away from any one of these ladies. All have had an exciting year.

Who should win: Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R), just because

Who will win: Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R), playing dual roles wins awards every time

Lead Actor

David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC)
Thaao Penghlis (Tony/Andre, Days)
Anthony Geary (just Luke, GH)
Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R)
Christian Le Blanc (Michael, Y&R)

Yeah!! Congrats to Thaao Penghlis (Tony/Andre, Days). A very much deserved nomination. That goes for all of the men nominated in this category. Once again, Anthony Geary (Luke, GH) is nominated, which is a given.

Who should win: David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC), just because both Adam and Stuart are my favourite on AMC

Who will win: Christian le Blanc (Michael, Y&R), for the two-peat

Supporting Actress

Kelley Menighan Hensley (Emily, ATWT)
Heather Tom (Kate, B&B)
Judi Evans (Bonnie/Adrienne, Days)
Gina Tognoni (Dinah, GL)
Tracey Bregman (Lauren, Y&R)

Strange nomination here for Days. Not that I’m complaining, but Judi Evans (Adrienne, Days) was not on the show enough to merit a nomination this year. Nice to see Heather Tom (former Victoria, Y&R, now Kate B&B) get a well-deserved nod for her body of work.

Who should win: Heather Tom (Kate, B&B)

Who will Win: Gina Tognoni (Dinah, GL)

Supporting Actor

Trent Dawson (Henry, ATWT)
Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, GL)
Brian Kerwin (Charlie, OLTL)
Kristoff St. John (Neil, Y&R)
Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R)

Noticing a trend here? In nearly every acting category, Young and the Restless has two nominations. That just goes to show, when you have good people, good things happen. That being said, I don’t see either of them winning.

Who should win: Brian Kerwin (Charlie, OLTL)

Who will win: Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, GL)

Younger Actress

Jennifer Landon (Gwen, ATWT)
Rachel Melvin (Chelsea, Days)
Vail Bloom (Heather, Y&R)
Emily O'Brien (Jana, Y&R)
Tammin Sursok (Colleen, Y&R)

Excellent category with no clear favourite. All young ladies have put in superb acting this year. Rachel Melvin (Chelsea, Days) you have to admit, though, did go above and beyond. She’s been raped and kidnapped, she’s murdered her rapist, she suffered the death of her grandfather, she saved her dying father by donating her pancreas, and now she’s found out that, due to a complication with the surgery, she can’t have kids.

Who should win: Rachel Melvin (Chelsea, Days)

Who will win: I haven’t got a clue

Just to sum things up, while I am happy that Days got four nominations, I just don’t see anybody winning except for Rachel Melvin (Chelsea). Her ability to make you root for her, yet still hate her is pretty good in my books.

The Daytime Emmy’s will be handed out Friday June 20th at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.