View source for Soap Opera Digest Awards

{{Short description|American soap opera awards show (1977-2005)}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Multiple issues|
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{{Verifiability|date=February 2021}}
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'''''The''' '''Soap Opera Digest''' '''Awards''''', originally known as '''''The Soapy Awards''''' when introduced in 1977, was an awards show held by the daytime television magazine ''[[Soap Opera Digest]]''.

==History==

=== 1977–1983 ===
'''The Soapy Awards''' were an award presented by ''[[Soap Opera Digest]]'' magazine to the best work on American soap operas from 1977 until 1983.  Unlike their successors, the ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards, this accolade lacked a great deal of glamour.  The statue itself was a tall geometric crystal and were presented during a television show after winners were announced in the magazine.  The original award was designed by the magazine's art director Janis Rogak.

The magazine's editor Ruth J. Gordon, who was founding editor made the very first presentation on ''[[The Merv Griffin Show]]''.

The first awards were presented during the ''Merv Griffin Show'' to Best Actor [[Bill Hayes (actor)|Bill Hayes]] and Best Actress [[Susan Seaforth Hayes]] from ''[[Days of Our Lives]]'' (which also won for 'Favorite Show'). This first award also included a special award for 'Outstanding Achievement in the World of Daytime Drama' to ''[[All My Children]]'' and ''[[One Life to Live]]''{{'}}s creator [[Agnes Nixon]].

The 1978 award were presented live during ''[[America Alive!]]'' from both [[New York City|New York]] and [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]. The 1979 show was presented on the Thursday Dec. 27, 1979 episode of ''[[Dinah!|Dinah and Friends]]''.

In 1980, during the height of ''[[Luke and Laura]]'', their portrayers [[Anthony Geary]] and [[Genie Francis]] won for Best Actor and Best Actress. An award for 'Favorite Performer in a Mature Role' went to ''[[All My Children]]''{{'}}s [[Ruth Warrick]].

The 1981 show incorporated many of the categories which would become a hallmark of the ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards, such as 'Most Exciting New Actor' ([[Tristan Rogers]], ''[[General Hospital]]''), 'Favorite Villain' ([[André Landzaat]], ''General Hospital''), and 'Favorite Villainess' ([[Robin Mattson]], ''General Hospital''). That year, the awards were swept by ''[[General Hospital]]''.

In 1984, the awards were replaced by the ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards.

=== 1984–2005 ===
In 1984, the awards evolved into ''The'' ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards, to replace the less-lavish ''Soapy Award''. ''The'' ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards were meant to promote excellence in the [[soap opera]] genre and were decided by the fans who read the magazine. The statue itself was made of crystal and in the shape of a heart.

The first ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award show aired in 1984, and was featured on national syndicated television and hosted by then husband and wife [[Catherine Hickland]] and [[David Hasselhoff]]. One of the reasons for the move up was the new-found audience of both Daytime and [[Prime time]] soap operas. That year for the first time awards were given to prime time soap operas as well as daytime soaps. This practice was phased out in the 1990s as primetime soap operas began to lose the large appeal they once had.

For the first two years, fans themselves voted on the nominees list as well as the winners. [[Ballot stuffing]] and a [[voting bloc]] for the 1985 awards led to the side effect where ''[[Days of Our Lives]]'' swept almost every category. The third awards were changed so that the editors of the magazine chose the nominees and each reader was allowed only one ballot to vote for their favorites. This allowed other shows such as ''[[Santa Barbara (TV series)|Santa Barbara]]'' and ''[[Another World (TV series)|Another World]]'' to take home trophies. A change in award season from the end of the year to the beginning meant that there was no show in 1987.

In 1992 the awards were broadcast live for the first time; in addition, the award statue (previously a flat crystal heart) was redesigned to be an inch taller. [[NBC]] had aired the event ever since it made its way to network television, but the show would no longer be seen on the network after the airing of the 2000 awards. The year 2001 marked the first time that there was no awards ceremony and voting was done entirely online. In 2003 the cable channel [[SOAPnet]] broadcast the awards which were hosted by [[Lisa Rinna]] and [[Ty Treadway]].

In 2001, the award was featured in the episode "[[Friends season 7|The One with Joey's Award]]" for the show ''[[Friends]]'', in which [[Joey Tribbiani]] ([[Matt LeBlanc]]) was nominated for a Soapy for his fictional role in ''Days of Our Lives'' but does not win. In the episode, Joey says the awards began in 1998, so it's likely not meant to be the same award, but rather a homage.

No awards were given out in 2002 or 2004. The 2005 awards were done entirely through the magazine. Fans could find a ballot in a November issue of ''Soap Opera Digest'' and then mail it to the editors. Only one ballot per person was counted. The awards were announced in the magazine in February 2005.{{More information needed|date=February 2021|reason=Are the awards still active? What's happened in the decade and a half since 2005?}}

== Winners ==

=== 1977 - 1983 ===

====Best Soap Opera====
* 1977 ''[[Days of Our Lives]]''
* 1978 ''[[Days of Our Lives]]''
* 1979 ''[[Days of Our Lives]]''
* 1980 ''[[General Hospital]]''
* 1981 ''[[General Hospital]]''
* 1982 ''[[General Hospital]]''
* 1983 ''[[General Hospital]]''

====Best Actor====
* 1977 [[Bill Hayes (actor)|Bill Hayes]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1978 [[Jed Allan]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1979 [[Jed Allan]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1980 [[Anthony Geary]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1981 [[Anthony Geary]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[Anthony Geary]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 [[Tristan Rogers]] (''General Hospital'')

====Best Actress====
* 1977 [[Susan Seaforth Hayes]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1978 [[Victoria Wyndham]] (''Another World'')
* 1979 [[Judith Light]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 1980 [[Judith Light]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 1981 Genie Francis (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[Deidre Hall]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1983 Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')

====Exciting New Actor====
* 1977 [[John Junior]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1978 Josh Dodong (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1979 Rod Kimpang (''Search for Tomorrow'')
* 1980 [[Peter Bergman]] (''All My Children'')
* 1981 Tristan Rogers (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[John Stamos]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 [[Steve Bond]] (''General Hospital'')

====Exciting New Actress====
* 1977 [[Candice Earley]] (''All My Children'')
* 1978 [[Andrea Hall]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1979 [[Tracey E. Bregman]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1980 [[Taylor Miller]] (''All My Children'')
* 1981 Renee Anderson (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[Kim Delaney]] (''All My Children'')
* 1983 [[Sherilyn Wolter]] (''General Hospital'')

====Best Villain====
* 1977 John Fitzpatrick (''Another World'')
* 1978 [[Roberts Blossom]] (''Another World'')
* 1979 [[Gerald Anthony]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 1980 [[James Mitchell (actor)|James Mitchell]] (''All My Children'')
* 1981 Andre Landzaat (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[Kin Shriner]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 [[Quinn Redeker]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

====Best Villainess====
* 1977 [[Beverlee McKinsey]] (''Another World'')
* 1978 [[Beverlee McKinsey]] (''Another World'')
* 1979 [[Jacklyn Zeman]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1980 [[Jane Elliot]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1981 [[Robin Mattson]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 Robin Mattson (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 Robin Mattson (''General Hospital'')

====Best Hero====
* 1977 [[Donald May]] (''The Edge of Night'')

====Best Mature Actor====
* 1978 [[Macdonald Carey]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1979 [[Macdonald Carey]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1980 [[David Lewis (American actor)|David Lewis]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1981 [[David Lewis (American actor)|David Lewis]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1982 [[David Lewis (American actor)|David Lewis]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 [[David Lewis (American actor)|David Lewis]] (''General Hospital'')

====Best Mature Actress====
* 1978 [[Frances Reid]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1979 [[Frances Reid]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1980 [[Ruth Warrick]] (''All My Children'')
* 1981 [[Ruth Warrick]] (''All My Children'')
* 1982 [[Anna Lee]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1983 [[Anna Lee]] (''General Hospital'')

====Best Juvenile Male====
* 1977 Christopher Lowe (''Search for Tomorrow'')
* 1978 John E. Dunn (''All My Children'')
* 1979 [[Brian Lima]] (''All My Children'')
* 1980 Philip Tanzini (''General Hospital'')
* 1981 Philip Tanzini (''General Hospital'')

====Best Juvenile Actress====
* 1977 Suzanne Davidson (''As the World Turns'')
* 1978 Brandi Tucker (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1979 Dawn Marie Boyle (''All My Children'')
* 1980 Dawn Marie Boyle (''All My Children'')
* 1981 Daniella and Francesca Serra (''All My Children'')

=== 1984 - 2005 ===

==== Outstanding Actor in a Mature Role in a Daytime Soap Opera ====

* 1984 [[Macdonald Carey]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Actress in a Mature Role in a Daytime Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Mature Role in a Daytime Soap Opera 

* 1984 [[Frances Reid]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Frances Reid (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Actor in a Mature Role in a Daytime Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Actor in a Mature Role in a Prime Time Soap Opera

* 1984 [[John Forsythe]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 [[Macdonald Carey]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Actress in a Mature Role in a Prime Time Soap Opera ====

* 1984 [[Barbara Bel Geddes]] (''Dallas)''

==== Best Death Scene: Daytime ====

* 1992 [[Marcy Walker]] ''([[Santa Barbara (TV series)|Santa Barbara]]'')

==== Best Death Scene: Prime Time ====

* 1992 April Ewing (''Dallas'')

==== Outstanding Super Couple: Daytime ====
Former name: Favorite Daytime Super Couple on a Daytime Serial, Favorite Super Couple: Daytime 

* 1986 [[Patsy Pease]], [[Charles Shaughnessy]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1988 Patsy Pease, Charles Shaughnessy (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 [[Stephen Nichols]], [[Mary Beth Evans]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1990 [[A Martinez]], Marcy Walker (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1991 [[Matthew Ashford]], [[Melissa Reeves]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Favorite Super Couple: Prime Time ====
Former name: Favorite Super Couple on a Prime Time Serial 

* 1986 [[Michele Lee]], [[Kevin Dobson]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1988 Michele Lee, Kevin Dobson (''Knots Landing'')

==== Favorite Couple ====
Former names: Best Love Story: Daytime or Prime Time, Hottest Soap Couple, Hottest Romance 

* 1992 Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Robert Kelker-Kelly]], [[Lisa Rinna]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1996 [[Keith Hamilton Cobb]], [[Sydney Penny]] (''[[All My Children]]'')
* 1997 [[Austin Peck]], [[Christie Clark]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1998 [[Mark Consuelos]], [[Kelly Ripa]] (''All My Children'')
* 1999 [[David Canary]], [[Jennifer Bassey]] (''All My Children'')
* 2000 [[Erika Slezak]], [[Mark Derwin]] (''[[One Life to Live]]'')
* 2001 [[Peter Reckell]], [[Kristian Alfonso]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2003 Bo & Hope (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2005 [[Drake Hogestyn]], Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Favorite New Couple ====

* 1998 [[Grant Aleksander]], [[Beth Ehlers]] (''[[Guiding Light|The Guiding Light]]'')
* 2005 [[Alison Sweeney]], [[Bryan Dattilo]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Best Wedding: Daytime ====

* 1992 Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Editor's Choice ====

* 1985 [[William J. Bell (producer)|William J. Bell]]
* 1986 [[Douglas Marland]]
* 1989 [[Jeanne Cooper]]
* 1990 [[Frances Reid]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* 1991 [[Eileen Fulton]]
* 1992 William J. Bell
* 1993 [[Douglas Marland]], [[Laurence Caso]]
* 1994 Betty Rae
* 1995 [[Claire Labine]]
* 1996 [[Agnes Nixon]]
* 1997 [[Aaron Spelling]]
* 1998 [[Don Hastings]], [[Kathryn Hays]]
* 1999 [[Michael Zaslow]]

==== Editor's Choice - Daytime ====

* 1988 [[Susan Lucci]]

==== Editor's Choice - Primetime ====

* 1988 Michael Filerman

==== Outstanding Actor: Prime Time ====
Former names: Outstanding Actor in a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Actor in a Prime Time Serial

* 1984 John Forsythe (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 [[Patrick Duffy]]  (''Dallas'')

* 1992 [[Kevin Dobson]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Actress: Prime Time ====
Former names:  Outstanding Actress in a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Actress in a Prime Time Serial

* 1984 [[Linda Evans]] (''[[Dynasty (1981 TV series)|Dynasty]]'')
* 1985 Linda Evans (''Dynasty'')

* 1992 Michele Lee (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera

* 1984 Peter Reckell (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Peter Reckell (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Soap Opera

* 1984 Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Favorite Actor ====

* 2000 [[Maurice Benard]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Favorite Actress ====

* 2000 [[Sarah Joy Brown]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Comic Performance: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Comic Relief Role on a Daytime Serial

* 1986 [[Arleen Sorkin]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1992 [[Robert Mailhouse]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Comic Performance ====

* 1993 Matthew Ashford (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Actress/Actor in a Comic Relief Role on a Prime Time Serial ====

* 1986 [[Margaret Ladd]] (''[[Falcon Crest]]'')

==== Outstanding Comic Actor: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Comic Performance by an Actor: Daytime 

* 1988 [[Michael T. Weiss]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 [[Stephen Schnetzer]] (''[[Another World (TV series)|Another World]]'')
* 1990 [[Joe Marinelli]] (''Santa Barbara'')

==== Outstanding Comic Actress: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Comic Performance by an Actress: Daytime 

* 1988 Arleen Sorkin (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 Robin Mattson (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1990 Robin Mattson (''Santa Barbara'')

==== Outstanding Daytime Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Daytime Soap

* 1984 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1985 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1986 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1988 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1989 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1990 ''Santa Barbara''
* 1991 ''Days of Our Lives''

* 1992 ''Days of Our Lives''

==== Outstanding Prime Time Serial ====
Former name: Outstanding Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Prime Time Show, Outstanding Prime Time Soap

* 1984 ''Dynasty''
* 1985 ''Dynasty''
* 1986 ''Knots Landing''
* 1988 ''Knots Landing''
* 1989 ''Knots Landing''
* 1990 ''Knots Landing''
* 1991 ''Knots Landing''
* 1992 ''Knots Landing''

==== Favorite Show ====

* 1993 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1994 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1995 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1996 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 1997 ''General Hospital''
* 1998 ''General Hospital''
* 1999 ''General Hospital''
* 2000 ''General Hospital''
* 2001 ''Days of Our Lives''
* 2003 ''General Hospital''
* 2005 ''General Hospital''

==== Outstanding Limited Run: Daytime ====

* 1991 ''[[One Life to Live]]''

==== Outstanding Newcomer: Daytime ====

* 1988 [[Ian Buchanan]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Female Newcomer: Daytime ====
Former names: Exciting New Actress in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding New Actress in a Daytime Serial

* 1984 [[Kristian Alfonso]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Arleen Sorkin (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 [[Anne Heche]] (''Another World'')
* 1990 [[Jean Carol]] (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1991 [[Kimberley Simms]] (''The Guiding Light'')

* 1992 [[Alla Korot]] (''Another World'')

==== Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime ====
Former names: Exiting New Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding New Actor in a Daytime Serial

* 1984 Michael Leon (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 [[Charles Shaughnessy]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 [[Scott Thompson Baker]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1990 [[Kurt McKinney]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1991 Michael Watson (''General Hospital'')

* 1992 [[Paul Michael Valley]] (''Another World'')

==== Outstanding New Actor in a Prime Time Serial ====
Former name: Exciting New Actor in a Prime Time Soap Opera

* 1984 [[Doug Sheehan]]  (''Knots Landing'')
* 1985 [[Alec Baldwin]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding New Actress in a Prime Time Serial ====
Former name: Exiting New Actress in a Prime Time Soap Opera 

* 1984 [[Priscilla Presley]] (''[[Dallas (TV series)|Dallas]]'')
* 1985 [[Catherine Oxenberg]] (''Dynasty'')

==== Outstanding Male Newcomer ====

* 1993 [[Monti Sharp]] (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1994 [[Patrick Muldoon]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 Keith Hamilton Cobb (''All My Children'')
* 1996 [[Mark Consuelos]] (''All My Children'')
* 1997 [[Tyler Christopher (actor)|Tyler Christopher]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1998 [[Jensen Ackles]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1999 [[Cameron Mathison]] (''All My Children'')
* 2000 [[David Tom]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2001 Chad Brannon (''General Hospital'')
* 2005 [[Justin Bruening]] (''All My Children'')

==== Outstanding Female Newcomer ====

* 1993 [[Yvonne Perry]] (''[[As the World Turns]]'')
* 1994 Lisa Rinna (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Brooke Alexander]] (''As the World Turns'')
* 1996 [[Michelle Stafford]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1997 [[T.C. Warner]] (''All My Children'')
* 1998 [[Sabryn Genet]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1999 [[Patrika Darbo]] (''Days of Our Lives)''
* 2000 [[Abigail Spencer]] (''All My Children'')
* 2001 [[Eden Riegel]] (''All My Children'')
* 2005 

==== Favorite New Character ====

* 1998 [[Laura Wright]] (''[[Guiding Light|The Guiding Light]]'')

==== Outstanding Newcomer ====

* 2003 [[Melissa Archer]] (''One Life To Live'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actor: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role on a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role: Daytime

* 1986 John Aniston (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1988 Stephen Nichols (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1989 [[Eric Braeden]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1990 A Martinez (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1991 A Martinez (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1992 [[David Canary]] (''All My Children'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Daytime

* 1986 Patsy Pease (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1988 [[Kim Zimmer]] (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1989 Jeanne Cooper (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1990 Marcy Walker (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1991 [[Finola Hughes]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1992 Anne Heche (''Another World'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actor: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role on a Prime Time Serial, Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role: Prime Time

* 1986 [[Larry Hagman]] (''Dallas'')
* 1988 [[Kevin Dobson]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1989 [[David Selby]] (''Falcon Crest'')
* 1990 [[William Devane]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 William Devane (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actress: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Prime Time Serial, Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Prime Time

* 1986 [[Joan Van Ark]] (''Knots Landing'')

* 1988 Michele Lee (''Knots Landing'')
* 1989 Joan Van Ark (''Knots Landing'')
* 1990 [[Nicollette Sheridan]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 Michele Lee (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actor ====

* 1993 [[Peter Bergman]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1994 Robert Kelker-Kelly (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Tom Eplin]] (''Another World'')
* 1996 Maurice Benard (''General Hospital'')
* 1997 Eric Braeden (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1998 [[John Callahan (actor)|John Callahan]] (''All My Children'')
* 1999 [[Anthony Geary]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2000 Anthony Geary (''General Hospital'')
* 2001 Eric Braeden (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2003 Maurice Benard (''General Hospital'')
* 2005 Maurice Benard (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Lead Actress ====

* 1993 Susan Lucci (''All My Children'')
* 1994 [[Jess Walton]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1995 Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1996 [[Robin Strasser]] (''[[One Life to Live]]'')
* 1997 [[Genie Francis]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1998 [[Vanessa Marcil]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1999 [[Lynn Herring]] (''[[Port Charles]]'')
* 2000 Kim Zimmer (''The Guiding Light'')
* 2001 [[Melody Thomas Scott]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2003 Michelle Stafford (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2005 Tamara Braun (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actor: Daytime ====
Former name Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role: Daytime

* 1984 [[John de Lancie]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 John de Lancie (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 [[Stephen Nichols]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1988 [[Nicolas Coster]] (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1989 [[Quinn Redeker|Quinn K. Redeker]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1990 [[Robert Gentry (actor)|Robert Gentry]] (''All My Children'')
* 1991 [[Jordan Clarke (actor)|Jordan Clarke]] (''The Guiding Light'')

* 1992 [[Doug Davidson]] (''The Young and the Restless'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actress: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role: Daytime

* 1984 [[Lisa Trusel]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Arleen Sorkin (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 [[Harley Jane Kozak]] (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1988 [[Anna Lee]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1989 [[Joy Garrett]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1990 [[Jane A. Rogers]] (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1991 [[Julia Barr]] (''All My Children'')

* 1992 [[Jane Elliot]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actor: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Prime Time Serial, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role: Prime Time 

* 1984 [[Steve Kanaly]] (''Dallas'')
* 1985 Steve Kanaly (''Dallas'')
* 1986 Doug Sheehan (''Knots Landing'')
* 1988 Steve Kanaly (''Dallas'')
* 1989 William Devane (''Knots Landing'')
* 1990 [[Ken Kercheval]] (''Dallas'')
* 1991 [[Larry Riley (actor)|Larry Riley]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actress: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Prime Time Serial, Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role: Prime Time

* 1984 [[Lisa Hartman Black|Lisa Hartman]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1985 Catherine Oxenberg (''Dynasty'')
* 1986 [[Susan Howard]] (''Dallas'')
* 1988 [[Tonya Crowe]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1989 Tonya Crowe (''Knots Landing'')
* 1990 Tonya Crowe (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 [[Lynne Moody]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actor ====

* 1993 [[Richard Biggs]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1994 [[Justin Deas]] (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1995 [[Brad Maule]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1996 [[Stuart Damon]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1997 Doug Davidson (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1998 [[Michael E. Knight]] (''All My Children'')
* 1999 Ian Buchanan (''The Bold and the Beautiful'')
* 2000 [[Jon Lindstrom]] (''Port Charles'')
* 2001 John Aniston (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2003 [[Steve Burton (actor)|Steve Burton]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2005 [[Rick Hearst]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Supporting Actress ====

* 1993 Ellen Dolan (''As the World Turns'')
* 1994 [[Deborah Adair]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Signy Coleman]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1996 [[Louise Sorel]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1997 Marcy Walker (''All My Children'')
* 1998 [[Judi Evans]] (''Another World'')
* 1999 [[Lauralee Bell]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2000 [[Nancy Lee Grahn]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2001 Nancy Lee Grahn (''General Hospital'')
* 2003 Nancy Lee Grahn (''General Hospital'')
* 2005 Alison Sweeney (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Villain: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Villain in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Villain in a Daytime Serial

* 1984 [[Joseph Mascolo]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Joseph Mascolo (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 [[John Aniston]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1988 Justin Deas (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1989 Matthew Ashford (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1990 David Canary (''All My Children'')
* 1991 [[Kin Shriner]] (''General Hospital'')

* 1992 Michael Zaslow (''The Guiding Light'')

==== Outstanding Villainess: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Villainess in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Villainess in a Daytime Serial

* 1984 [[Nancy Frangione]] (''Another World'')
* 1985 [[Miranda Wilson]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 [[Linda Gibboney]] (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1988 [[Brenda Dickson]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1989 Lynn Herring (''General Hospital'')
* 1990 [[Jane Elliot]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1991 Lynn Herring (''General Hospital'')

* 1992 Lynn Herring (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Villain: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Villain in a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Villain in a PrimeTime Serial, Outstanding Villain on a Prime Time Serial 

* 1984 [[Larry Hagman]] (''Dallas'')
* 1985 Larry Hagman (''Dallas'')
* 1986 Larry Hagman (''Dallas'')
* 1988 Larry Hagman (''Dallas'')
* 1989 Larry Hagman (''Dallas'')
* 1990 Teri Austin (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 [[Sam Behrens]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Villainess: Prime Time ====
Former name: Outstanding Villainess in a Prime Time Soap Opera, Outstanding Villainess in a Prime Time Serial

* 1984 Joan Collins (''Dynasty'')
* 1985 Joan Collins (''Dynasty'')
* 1986 [[Donna Mills]] (''Knots Landing'')
* 1988 Donna Mills (''Knots Landing'')
* 1989 Donna Mills (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 [[Michelle Phillips]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Villain/Villainess ====

* 1993 [[Kimberlin Brown]] (''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]'') (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1994 Louise Sorel (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2000 [[Timothy D. Stickney|Timothy Stickney]] (''One Life to Live'')

==== Favorite Villain ====
Former name: Outstanding Villain

* 1995 [[Jason Brooks (actor)|Jason Brooks]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1996 [[Mark Pinter]] (''Another World'')
* 1997 Joseph Mascolo (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1998 [[Roger Howarth]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 1999 [[Vincent Irizarry]] (''All My Children'')
* 2001 [[Rick Hearst]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2005 [[Ted King (actor)|Ted King]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Favorite Villainess ====
Former name: Outstanding Villainess

* 1995 Kimberlin Brown (''The Bold and the Beautiful'')
* 1996 Alison Sweeney (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1997 Michelle Stafford (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1998 Alison Sweeney (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1999 Alison Sweeney (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2001 [[Arianne Zucker]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Younger Lead Actor: Daytime ` ====
Former name: Outstanding Youth Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Youth Actor in a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Young Leading Actor in a Daytime Serial

* 1984 [[David Mendenhall]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1985 Brian Autenrieth (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 Peter Reckell (''Days of Our Lives'')

* 1992 [[Ricky Paull Goldin]] (''Another World'')

==== Outstanding Younger Leading Actress: Daytime ====
Former name: Outstanding Youth Actress in a Daytime Soap Opera, Outstanding Youth Actress in a Daytime Serial, Outstanding Young Leading Actress on a Daytime Serial

* 1984 [[Andrea Barber]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1985 Andrea Barber (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1986 [[Ellen Wheeler]] (''Another World'')

* 1992 [[Tricia Cast]] (''The Young and the Restless'')

==== Outstanding Youth Actor in Prime Time Soap Opera ====

* 1984 [[Omri Katz]] (''Dallas'')

==== Outstanding Youth Actress in Prime Time Soap Opera ====

* 1984 [[Shalane McCall]] (''Dallas'')

==== Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress in a Prime Time Serial ====

* 1985 Shalane McCall (''Dallas'')
* 1986 [[Kimberly McCullough]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Younger Leading Actor ====
Former name: Outstanding Younger Lead Actor 

* 1993 [[Matt Borlenghi]] (''All My Children'')
* 1994 [[Scott Reeves]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1995 Roger Howarth (''[[One Life to Live]]'')
* 1996 [[Joshua Morrow]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1997 Steve Burton (''General Hospital'')
* 1998 Steve Burton (''General Hospital'')
* 1999 [[Jonathan Jackson (actor)|Jonathan Jackson]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2000 [[Mark Consuelos]] (''All My Children'')
* 2001 [[Jason Cook (actor)|Jason Cook]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2003 [[Kyle Lowder]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2005 [[Scott Clifton]] (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Younger Leading Actress ====
Former name: Outstanding Younger Lead Actress

* 1993 [[Alicia Coppola]] (''Another World'')
* 1994 [[Melissa Hayden (actress)|Melissa Hayden]] (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1995 [[Rena Sofer]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1996 Kelly Ripa (''All My Children'')
* 1997 [[Heather Tom]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1998 Sarah Joy Brown (''General Hospital'')
* 1999 [[Rebecca Herbst]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2000 Kelly Ripa (''All My Children'')
* 2001 Alison Sweeney (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2003 [[Rebecca Budig]] (''All My Children'')
* 2005 Eden Riegel (''All My Children'')

==== Favorite ====
Former name: Outstanding Teen Performer, Favorite Teen Star

* 1997 [[Erin Torpey]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 2000 Erin Torpey (''One Life to Live'')
* 2005 [[Kristen Alderson]] (''One Life to Live'')

==== Outstanding Child Actor ====

* 1993 Kimberly McCullough (''General Hospital'')
* 1994 Scott Groff (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Jonathan Jackson (actor)|Jonathan Jackson]] (''General Hospital'')
* 2001 [[Kirsten Storms]] (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Contribution by an Actor/Actress to the Form of Continuing Drama who is currently on a Daytime Serial ====

* 1986 Deidre Hall (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Outstanding Hero: Daytime ====

* 1988 A Martinez (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1989 Stephen Nichols (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1990 [[Doug Davidson]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1991 Doug Davidson (''The Young and the Restless'')

==== Outstanding Heroine: Daytime ====

* 1988 [[Robin Wright]] (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1989 Marcy Walker (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1990 Finola Hughes (''General Hospital'')
* 1991 [[Cady McClain]]  (''All My Children'')

==== Outstanding Hero: Prime Time ====

* 1991 [[Kevin Dobson]] (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Heroine: Prime Time ====

* 1991 Nicollette Sheridan (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Hero ====

* 2001 Joshua Morrow (''The Young and the Restless'')

==== Outstanding Heroine ====

* 2001 [[McKenzie Westmore]] (''Passions'')

==== Favorite Triangle ====

* 2005 [[Michael Easton]], Melissa Archer, [[Renée Elise Goldsberry]] (''One Life to Live'')

==== Outstanding Story Line: Daytime ====

* 1990 Eden's rape (''Santa Barbara'')
* 1991 Robin, Anna and the alien (''General Hospital'')

==== Outstanding Story Line: Prime Time ====

* 1990 "Jill"'s descent into madness (''Knots Landing'')
* 1991 "Paige" and "Tom"'s love story (''Knots Landing'')

==== Outstanding Social Issue Storyline ====

* 1993 Margo's rape (''As the World Turns'')

==== Favorite Storyline ====

* 1994 Who Fathered Marlena's Baby? (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2001 The baby switch (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Favorite Song ====

* 1993 "''One Dream''" (Bo and Carly's theme) (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Favorite Return ====

* 1999 Cady McClain (''All My Children'')
* 2000 Finola Hughes (''All My Children'')
* 2003 Vanessa Marcil (''General Hospital'')
* 2005 Judi Evans (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Hottest Female Star ====

* 1993 [[Crystal Chappell]] (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1994 Melissa Reeves (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 [[Kristina Wagner]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1996 Lynn Herring (''General Hospital'')
* 1997 Vanessa Marcil (''General Hospital'')
* 1998 [[Sharon Case]] (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 1999 Kristian Alfonso (''Days of Our Lives'')

==== Hottest Male Star ====

* 1993 Mark Derwin (''The Guiding Light'')
* 1994 Drake Hogestyn (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1995 Drake Hogestyn (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1996 Peter Reckell (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1997 [[Ingo Rademacher]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1998 Ingo Rademacher (''General Hospital'')
* 1999 Steve Burton (''General Hospital'')

==== Favorite Scene Stealer ====
Former name: Outstanding Scene Stealer 

* 1994 [[Victoria Rowell]]  (''The Young and the Restless'')
* 2000 [[Josh Ryan Evans]] ''(Passions'')

==== Outstanding Female Scene Stealer ====
Former name: Outstanding Female Showstopper

* 1995 Louise Sorel (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1996 Robin Mattson (''All My Children'')
* 1997 Louise Sorel (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 1998 Jennifer Bassey (''All My Children'')
* 1999 Louise Sorel (''Days of Our Lives'')
* 2001 Robin Strasser (''Passions'')

==== Outstanding Male Scene Stealer ====
Former name: Outstanding Male Showstopper

* 1995 Michael E. Knight (''All My Children'')
* 1996 [[Tuc Watkins]] (''One Life to Live'')
* 1997 Tom Eplin (''Another World'')
* 1998 [[John Ingle]] (''General Hospital'')
* 1999 [[Kin Shriner]] (''Port Charles'')
* 2001 [[Josh Ryan Evans]] (''Passions'')

==== Outstanding Musical Achievement ====

* 1994 ''Days of Our Lives''

==== Favorite Veteran ====

* 1999 Stuart Damon (''General Hospital'')

==== Soapnet Outstanding Plot Twist Award ====

* Sonny & Alexis have sex (''General Hospital'')

==== Soapnet Diamond Award ====

* Susan Lucci

== List of ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards ==
*[[List of Soap Opera Digest Awards|List of ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards]]

==Categories==
*[[Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Female Star]]
*[[Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Male Star]]
*[[Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama]]
*[[Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villainess in a Drama Series – Daytime]]

==See also==
* [[List of American television awards]]
* [[Friends season 7#ep164|Friends episode 164]]{{snd}}"The One with Joey's Award"

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{citations needed|date=February 2021}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110317180140/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/history/index.html ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards] (archived 2011, ends with 2005 awards)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110317175543/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/ ''Soap Opera Digest'' Awards {{!}} Where it All Began] (archived 2011, ends with 2003 awards)

[[Category:Soap Opera Digest Awards| ]]
[[Category:Soap opera awards]]

[[Category:American television awards]]