Steve Burton, star of “Days of Our Lives,” secured his 12th Daytime Emmy nomination in 2026, breaking his own record as the most nominated actor for a single soap opera role. The nomination, announced July 14 by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, was part of a full list that included historic firsts for “Beyond the Gates” actors Tamara Tunie and Karla Mosley.
Burton’s previous record was 11 nominations. The 2026 nod, for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, extends his lead. No other performer has accumulated more nominations for portraying one character. Burton has played Jason Morgan on “Days of Our Lives” since 1991, with a brief hiatus.
His competition includes Peter Bergman (“The Young and the Restless”), who has 10 nominations. The full 2026 list, published by USA TODAY and Variety, shows “The Young and the Restless” leading all shows with 21 nominations. “Days of Our Lives” received 14.
The 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations full list also marked a milestone for diversity. Tamara Tunie and Karla Mosley, both from the new CBS soap “Beyond the Gates,” received their first nominations. Tunie was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress. Mosley for Outstanding Supporting Actress. TheGrio reported this as a landmark moment for Black representation in daytime television. “Beyond the Gates” is the first new daytime soap in over 25 years, and the first to center on a Black family.
| Achievement | Nominee | Show | Category | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most nominations for a single soap role | Steve Burton | Days of Our Lives | Outstanding Lead Actor | 12th nomination, breaking own record |
| Landmark Black representation | Tamara Tunie | Beyond the Gates | Outstanding Lead Actress | First nomination for a new, Black-led soap |
| Landmark Black representation | Karla Mosley | Beyond the Gates | Outstanding Supporting Actress | First nomination for a new, Black-led soap |
| Most nominations overall | The Young and the Restless | N/A | N/A | 21 nominations, leading all shows |
Burton’s record rewrites soap opera history. It signals a renaissance for the genre, which has faced declining viewership and increased competition from streaming. Fan reactions on social media have been intense. Many call Burton’s longevity a testament to character-driven storytelling. Expert analysis from USA TODAY notes his nomination underscores the enduring appeal of traditional soap operas.
The broader 2026 nominations reflect both tradition and change. Burton’s achievement represents continuity. The nominations for Tunie and Mosley represent evolution. The Daytime Emmys, struggling for relevance in a fragmented media landscape, are betting on this mix.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many Daytime Emmy nominations does Steve Burton have in total?
- A: Steve Burton has 12 Daytime Emmy nominations, breaking his own record for the most nominations for a single soap opera role.
- Q: What is the significance of the 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations for diversity?
- A: The 2026 nominations marked a milestone for diversity with first-time nominations for ‘Beyond the Gates’ actors Tamara Tunie and Karla Mosley, highlighting Black representation in daytime television.
- Q: Which show led the 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations?
- A: ‘The Young and the Restless’ led all shows with 21 nominations, while ‘Days of Our Lives’ received 14.
Extended Reading
For the full list of 2026 Daytime Emmy nominees, see the official list published by USA TODAY and Variety. For coverage of the historic nominations for “Beyond the Gates,” see TheGrio. The Daytime Emmy ceremony will air later this year.