The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has unveiled significant changes to the nomination process for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards. Submissions officially opened on March 19, with new rules set to reshape how actors and shows compete for television’s top daytime honors.
Episode-Based Craft Nominations
One of the biggest changes involves the “craft categories.” Instead of team-based submissions, nominations will now be episode-based. This adjustment allows shows to receive multiple nominations in a single category, giving productions more opportunities to be recognized for technical excellence.
Category Eliminations and Mergers
The Outstanding Science and Nature Program category has been eliminated. Programs that previously qualified will now compete in the News and Documentary Emmys or the Primetime Emmys. Additionally, daytime dramas and non-fiction programs will compete against each other in most categories, except for writing and directing. Categories may be split if each genre receives at least 10 submissions.
Guest Performer Eligibility
Eligibility for the Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama category has also been tightened. Actors must appear in at least 19 percent of episodes aired or streamed during the 2025 calendar year. Otherwise, they must be submitted in the Leading, Supporting, or Emerging Talent categories.
Studio vs. Non-Studio Programs
Another change involves how shows are classified. Instead of “multi-cam” or “single-cam,” categories will now be defined as “studio” or “non-studio.” Programs featuring both filming styles must choose the predominant format, defined as 50.1 percent of the production.
Judging and Nomination Numbers
Judging will now be conducted by NATAS members, Television Academy members, and dual members. The number of submissions in each category will determine the number of nominees. Categories with 10–29 submissions will have five nominees, while categories with 150 or more submissions can have up to 10 nominees. Categories with fewer than 10 submissions will see nominees capped at 50 percent of entries, rounded up.
Ceremony Date
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on October 30, with nominations announced at a later date.
