PASADENA, Calif. — The spotlight shone brightly on the daytime television industry Friday night as the Daytime Emmys recognized outstanding performances and productions, with prominent wins for “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital.” Paul Telfer snagged the award for lead actor for his role as Xander Kiriakis, while Nancy Lee Grahn received the lead actress accolade for her long-standing portrayal of Alexis Davis.

In a remarkable achievement, Sir David Attenborough, at 99, became the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy. He was honored for his work as host of Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” Although he was not present at the ceremony, his extensive career as a broadcaster and natural historian continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Telfer, originally from Scotland, expressed a heartfelt connection to the award, dedicating it to his late mother, a longtime fan of soap operas. “To win this on a soap opera playing the villain is really amazing. Thanks, Mom,” he said, reflecting on the significance of his triumph.

Grahn celebrated her third Daytime Emmy award, passionately advocating for democracy and human rights during her acceptance speech. Carrying a handcrafted clutch emblazoned with the phrase “Democracy dies in silence,” she urged her fellow artists and viewers alike to stand up for what is right. “Our democracy is worth fighting for,” she declared, inspiring those in attendance to join her call for action.

“General Hospital” emerged as a formidable contender, securing six awards in major categories including Outstanding Drama Series. In addition to Grahn’s win, Jonathan Jackson received the award for supporting actor for his role as Lucky Spencer, which he first portrayed in 1993. First-time nominee Susan Walters also earned the supporting actress award for her work on “The Young and the Restless.”

The ceremony celebrated standout performances across various genres. Alley Mills received recognition as a guest performer for her role as Heather Webber, marking her second Emmy win. Mills emphasized the importance of maintaining positivity during challenging times, urging the audience to uplift each other amid uncertainty.

Drew Barrymore celebrated her first Emmy win for her talk show, triumphing over renowned competitors including Kelly Clarkson. The award for Outstanding Talk Series ultimately went to “Live with Kelly and Mark.”

In a notable win, Lisa Yamada, the 23-year-old star of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” took home the award for emerging talent. Yamada expressed immense gratitude for achieving her lifelong dream of acting, filled with emotion as she accepted the recognition.

Kardea Brown stood out as a jubilant winner in the culinary host category for “Delicious Miss Brown” on Food Network. Overwhelmed with joy, she reflected on her journey as a Black woman from Charleston, South Carolina, who never imagined her dreams would come to fruition. Her show also secured the award for Outstanding Culinary Instructional Series.

The evening concluded with journalist Deborah Norville receiving a career achievement award, celebrating her remarkable tenure on “Inside Edition” before transitioning to host “The Perfect Line,” a new game show. Norville’s legacy in journalism remains impactful, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in the field.

As the night drew to a close, the 52nd Daytime Emmys not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also highlighted the collective spirit and resilience of the daytime television community.