Michelle Stafford Keeps a Special Daytime Emmy Tradition Alive — But Adds Her Own Twist md23

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Last year’s Outstanding Lead Actress winner, The Young and the Restless‘ Michelle Stafford, hosted the Lead Actress nominee luncheon this year. The Daytime Emmys aren’t celebrating a milestone this year, but a tradition that takes place ahead of the ceremony certainly is. The luncheon, which sees the glamorous ladies of daytime cutting loose and having fun before the excitement of the coming event truly sets in. However, this year, as the luncheon celebrates its 20th anniversary, the event has a welcome addition, or rather, additions. Stafford extended the invitation to the Supporting Actresses as well

Key Takeaways

  • The Young and the Restless’ Michelle Stafford hosted the 20th anniversary Lead Actress luncheon — and invited the Supporting Actress nominees for the first time.
  • The long-running Daytime Emmys tradition began in 2005 when The Bold and the Beautiful’s Susan Flannery started the “winner pays next year” custom.
  • This year’s attendees included Eileen Davidson, Courtney Hope, Susan Walters, and Melissa Claire Egan.
  • Absent nominees included Nancy Lee Grahn, Laura Wright, Sharon Case, and others.
  • With the expanded guest list, future luncheons could evolve — possibly splitting hosting duties between Lead and Supporting Actress winners.

20th Anniversary Of Daytime Emmy Nominees Luncheon

The Lead Actress luncheon dates back to 2005. It took place in New York with that year’s eight nominees gathering for what turned out to be a four-hour event, according to Stafford. To the surprise of everyone, The Bold and the Beautiful legend Susan Flannery (Stephanie Forrester) footed the bill. There’d been so much alcohol flowing that the ladies didn’t feel right about letting her pay for everyone. But then Flannery posed an idea: whoever won the Outstanding Lead Actress award would pay for next year’s luncheon.

In her acceptance speech, General Hospital‘s Erika Slezak (Ronnie Bard) gave a nod to that conversation. According to Stafford, Slezak said, “Alright, I guess I’m paying next year,” and the tradition has endured for two decades. But what hasn’t been typical of the luncheon is the inclusion of the Supporting Actress nominees, and Stafford made a point of changing that for 2025.

2025 Daytime Emmys Lead and Supporting Actress Luncheon

Sharing a picture on Instagram of the ladies, a part of her Y&R family who are nominated, the soap star showed a glimpse of the restaurant where she hosted the luncheon (Cecconi’s West Hollywood), thanked the bakery that supplied a sweet treat (Anyone Can Bake It), and promised more pictures to come. She also explained the absence of some of her fellow nominees, quipping, “before some of you start yelling at me. The gals who you don’t see in this picture…were not able to come,” and expressed, “We missed you gorgeous ladies!!”

In attendance at the 2025 luncheon hosted by Stafford:

  • Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, Y&R) — Lead Actress nominee
  • Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra, Y&R) — Supporting Actress nominee
  • Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins Abbott, Y&R) — Supporting Actress nominee
  • Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson, Y&R) — Lead Actress nominee

Who couldn’t make the luncheon:

  • Nancy Lee Grahan (Alexis Davis, GH) — Lead Actress nominee
  • Laura Wright (Carly Spencer, GH) — Lead Actress nominee
  • Kate Mansi (Kristina Corinthos Davis, GH) — Supporting Actress nominee
  • Sharon Case (Sharon Newman, Y&R) — Lead Actress nominee
  • Emily O’Brien (Theresa Donovan, Days of Our Lives) — Supporting Actress nominee
  • Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton, DAYS) — Supporting Actress nominee

With the inclusion of nominees from both categories, the luncheon may see another change in 2026. Perhaps the winners of the Outstanding Lead and Supporting Actress awards will split responsibilities for next year’s. They’ll also have the opportunity to welcome stars from Beyond the Gates, the newest addition to the Daytime Emmy ranks.

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