October 30 is right around the corner, and the 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations are officially out! Among the incredibly talented nominees is the fabulous Stacy Haiduk, who is so richly deserving of this recognition.
While she regularly juggles multiple roles on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives (including Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks) and plays Patty Williams on The Young and the Restless, it was her powerhouse work as Kristen that landed her a spot in the Outstanding Lead Actress category.
Haiduk is in spectacular company, facing off against Beyond the Gates favorites Tamara Tunie (Anita) and Karla Mosley (Dani), The Young and the Restless‘ Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), and The Bold and the Beautiful‘s Heather Tom (Katie).
Speaking exclusively with Soap Opera News, Haiduk reflected on her fourth Daytime Emmy nomination—and her very first in the Lead category.
Key Takeaways
- Stacy Haiduk earned her first Daytime Emmy nomination in the Lead Actress category.
- Her nominated reel focused on Kristen taking the blame for EJ’s shooting to protect Rachel.
- Haiduk learned about the nomination while finishing a workout.
- She shared the emotional moment with her daughter.
- Haiduk called the recognition a meaningful validation of her work.
Stacy Haiduk on the Storyline That Earned Her Emmy Nomination
When asked about the reel she submitted, Haiduk shared, “I submitted the storyline where my daughter shot EJ, and Kristen took the blame because she wanted to protect her daughter, Rachel.” She added, “Kristen pleaded guilty for something she didn’t do, but knew she was doing what was best for the love of her life! Her daughter.”
Actually finding out about the nomination took a little bit of heavy lifting—literally. Haiduk was in the middle of a workout when the big news dropped.
She Was Not Expecting That
“During my workout, I kept hearing my phone ring. I just thought it was spam, so I didn’t answer,” she recalls. “After I was done and was in the car, there was a text from the Publicist from Days saying congratulations! I was like, ‘For what?!!!’ She texted back for the Emmy nomination, and I was like, ‘Really! Wow! Was not expecting that!’”
Sharing the milestone right then and there made it even more special. “I sat in the car with my daughter, and I looked over at her and said, ‘I got the nomination!’ I felt so grateful! And was so happy I could share that with her in the moment!”
For Haiduk, the nomination is a beautiful validation of her craft and the raw emotion she pours into her roles.
“The work I have been doing is being recognized,” she says. “And when you are an artist, we share our vulnerable side in our work, whether that is pain, happiness, love, anger, etc. But those emotions feel real when you’re acting!”
She adds, “We are entertainers, and we get a script, and we portray the characters with a real sense that comes from deep down. So I am truly grateful!”
Huge congratulations to Stacy Haiduk on this incredibly well-deserved nod! Keep it locked on Soap Opera News for more chats with the 2026 Emmy nominees.
Which Stacy Haiduk performance has been your favorite over the years: Kristen DiMera, Susan Banks, or Patty Williams?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios.
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