The 51st annual Daytime Emmys kicked off after a tense morning filled with threats of picketing from IATSE over the use of a non-union crew. Despite the initial chaos, the ceremony proceeded smoothly at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences managed to reach an agreement with IATSE leadership just in time for the show to begin.
Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner took on the role of hosting the ceremony and brought their charm and wit to the stage. The show opened with a lighthearted number by The Talk hosts Amanda Kloots and Jerry O’Connell, setting the tone for the evening. Special guests like Dick Van Dyke, Zooey Deschanel, and Jennifer Hudson added star power to the event, with Van Dyke even taking home an award for his guest-starring role on Peacock’s Days of our Lives.
Soap producer Ed Scott and Melody Thomas Scott from The Young and the Restless were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their significant contributions to the industry. In her acceptance speech, Thomas Scott acknowledged the hard work of everyone in the daytime TV industry and expressed her dedication to carrying on the legacy of the American soap opera tradition.
The evening also included a touching In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to industry veterans like Sam Rubin, Marla Adams, Bill Hayes, and Johnny Wactor. The segment served as a reminder of the impact these individuals had on the world of daytime television and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Overall, the Daytime Emmys 2021 was a night filled with laughter, tears, and celebration of the talented individuals who bring daytime dramas, talk shows, and legal/courtroom dramas to life. Despite the challenges leading up to the event, the show went on to honor and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone in the industry.