Daytime Emmys: Gender-Neutral Young Performer Category, More Inclusive Eligibility Among 15+ Changes for 2020

Matt Webb Mitovich

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The confirmed merging of the Younger Actor and Young Actress categories into one, gender-neutral award is but one of many changes on tap for the 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards.

NATAS has announced a slew of changes and updates for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, which as recently reported will now be held across three nights, Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14.

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The changes include but are not limited to:

* Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series replaces the Outstanding Younger Actor and Younger Actress in a Drama Series categories, as well as eliminates the gender of the category.

* All performers eligible for gendered acting categories are encouraged to enter the one they feel best fits their gender identity — as Asia Kate Dillon, a non-binary cast member of Showtime’s Billions, does by choosing to compete in the Supporting Actor category at the Primetime Emmys.

* These categories are now open to both Broadcast Dramas and Digital Drama entrants:
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Direction/Scenic Design
Outstanding Casting
Outstanding Costume Design
Outstanding Lighting Direction
Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition

* Outstanding Makeup, Outstanding Costumes and Outstanding Hairstyling reels must now include only “everyday” makeup and hairstyling. Special event, Halloween, special effects, prosthetic or period makeup and hairstyling reels belong in a newly created Outstanding Special Effects Costumes, Makeup and Hairstyling category.

* Other new categories include Outstanding Young Adult Program (created for tween and teen viewers 12- 17 years old, and accepting Series and Specials) and Outstanding Picture Editing for an Animated Program.

* Outstanding Performer in a Children’s or Family Viewing Program has been replaced with two categories: Outstanding Principal Performance in a Children’s, Family Viewing, Young Adult, or Special Class Program, and Outstanding Limited Performance in a Children’s, Family Viewing, Young Adult Program, or Special Class Program (whereby Limited is defined as appearing in 25% or less of the total episodes for the season, appearing on screen in 25% or less of the entire Special, and/or onscreen Guest credit).

* Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program has been eliminated.

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