A person with true talent doesn’t need a trophy to know their worth, but it’s still nice to be recognized. At the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, several sweet moments came to life as people and projects won for the first time or added a new kind of win to an already impressive résumé.
Here are five firsts from the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards worth celebrating.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Scenic Route to Her First Emmy
Tracee Ellis Ross received her first Emmy for Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, which won Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program. Serving as both host and executive producer, Ross brings her curiosity and personality to solo travel, giving women permission to see the world on their own terms. The win landed on her birthday, making her first Emmy the ultimate gift.
Tamara Tunie Finally Gets Her Emmy Moment
Tamara Tunie has always given us commanding performances, so hearing this was her first Emmy made us check our records. She won lead actress for playing Beyond the Gates matriarch Anita Williams Dupree, becoming only the second Black woman to win the category. Her victory arrives nearly four decades after her daytime debut in 1987 on As the World Turns. For those who have followed her across soaps, crime dramas and back to daytime, seeing her win feels long overdue, but glad it’s finally come.
Keke Palmer Adds a Daytime Emmy to Her Collection
EBONY Power 100 honoree Keke Palmer stays booked, busy and building. Her KeyTV series Glam Through the Ages won Outstanding Daytime Short Form Program, earning the actress and executive producer her first Daytime Emmy and third career Emmy overall. This win recognizes Palmer’s work behind the camera, alongside fellow executive producers Lenoria Addison, Sharon Palmer and Max Wyeth. Also hosted by Palmer, the series explores Black beauty, fashion, society, and culture across different iconic eras.
Star Jones Gets Her First Trophy
After 14 career nominations, Star Jones can officially add Emmy winner to her moniker. Jones and bailiff Corey Jovan shared the award for Outstanding Daytime Personality, Daily, for Divorce Court. With a daytime resume spanning legal commentary, daytime conversation and courtroom disputes, the recognition honors her decades as a daytime staple.
Beyond the Gates Wins Its First Four Emmys
Beyond the Gates arrived at its first eligible year for the Daytime Emmys and left with four wins. Alongside Tunie’s victory, Ambyr Michelle won Outstanding Emerging Talent for playing Eva Thomas. The series also earned trophies for lighting direction and hairstyling and makeup. Yes, this show creates storylines centered on Black characters and stories, and is making sure they look damn good while doing it.