US soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful has won the top Daytime Emmy award, clinching the prize for best drama series. “It’s over the top. We’re so grateful,” said the show’s executive producer Bradley Bell as he accepted the award. Best actor went to As the World Turns star Michael Park, while Laura Wright from General Hospital won best actress. Gladys Knight sang in a tribute to Oprah Winfrey, whose long-running chat show ended in May.
Winfrey appeared on tape with her staff holding the Crystal Pillar award she was given for changing the face of daytime television. The Bold and the Beautiful picked up four trophies in total including best young actor for Scott Clifton who plays Liam Cooper in the soap. Brittany Allen, who appears in All My Children, was named best younger actress. The long-running soap, along with One Life to Live, are both going off air after more than 40 years due to a fall in ratings.
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom picked up best supporting actress, while Jonathan Jackson from General Hospital won the best supporting actor prize. Tom, who won for the first time after being nominated five times previously, said: “I have to think the daytime community as a whole. You have been my home for most of my life and I am so grateful for that.” Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune shared the award for best gameshow, while their respective hosts, Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak, received lifetime achievement awards. Ben Bailey of Cash Cab won best gameshow host. The Ellen DeGeneres Show won the award for outstanding entertainment chat show.
