There’s something extremely satisfying about watching dramatic storylines in times of personal duress. When one’s life isn’t going swimmingly, it feels good to watch fictional characters’ worlds fall apart, just for the pleasure of being able to say, “Well, at least my life isn’t that bad!” Thus, soap opera fans were extra thankful that their favorite daytime shows were able to deliver signature soapy drama that kept them entertained and distracted during the pandemic. Only Days of our Lives was able to air original material the entire year, and the NBC soap was somehow absent from the list of nominees. In the end, it was The Young and the Restless' two heart-wrenching submissions that took home Emmy gold.
Accepting the award on behalf of The Young and the Restless was head writer Josh Griffith. In his acceptance speech from the show's Crimson Lights set, Griffith thanked the show's "executive producer Tony Morina and the excellent producing team, our outstanding directors, [and] amazing cast and crew." He also thanked his "indispensable co-head writer Amanda Beale" and the rest of the show's "terrific" writing team.
In closing, Griffith thanked "the fans, for watching and keeping us number one," adding "I love my job [and] I love this show."
The Young and the Restless submitted two episodes for consideration. The first featured Sharon Newman having a series of nightmares on the eve of her first chemotherapy treatment. In the second, the Abbott family said goodbye to matriarch Dina Abbott Mergeron, who passed away from Alzheimer's -- a storyline that also won actress Marla Adams her very first Daytime Emmy.
This was The Young and the Restless' ninth win in the Writing category.
Directors in the world of soap operas don't often receive credit for the success of their shows, but much like the biggies of the film industry -- Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, to name a few -- daytime drama directors are the ones responsible for the look, feel, and quality of what's eventually seen on-screen -- especially when it comes to the actors' performances. So, even though directors rarely get appreciation from fans, they're one of the most important elements of bringing soap operas to life! Other than the individual Guild awards, which don't receive the same coverage, the Daytime Emmys ceremony is the one time per year that directors get the credit that they are due, and Soap Central is thrilled to celebrate the directing teams of all four soap operas. Alas, only one directing team can take home the gold, and this year, that honor went to General Hospital.
"On behalf of the General Hospital directing team, thank you for this honor," director Phideaux Xavier said in accepting the award from the GH set. "We're so fortunate to work with the best crew in television. Thank you to our cameras, sound and lighting, our costumes, makeup, hair, and art department [and] our incredible actors, producers, and writers."
General Hospital submitted a stand-alone episode for consideration this year. The episode -- which took a trip back in time --- marked the 100th anniversary of women being granted the right to vote.
In closing, Xavier thanked the viewers. "To our wonderful audience," he said with a smile. "We hope to keep you always entertained."
General Hospital's Directing Team also received the Emmy last year. The show has now won 12 Emmys for directing -- which ties it with Y&R -- dating back to its first win in 1981.
»PART FIVE: LEAD ACTOR AND LEAD ACTRESS
