Lead Actress

Nominated Performers:

Debbie Morgan as Dr. Angie Hubbard, All My Children

Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Days of Our Lives

Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord & Alters, One Life To Live

Laura Wright as Carly Jacks, General Hospital

Heather Tom as Katie Logan, the Bold & Beautiful

Debbie Morgan submitted a reel that is 12 minuets and 4 seconds long, containing scenes in which Angie, who is blind learns that the baby she gave birth to months prior died during delivery and that her husband Jesse, lied to her and covered up her daughter’s death.     These scenes provided Ms. Morgan with ample opportunity to act her heart out, and while the writing is top-notch, I feel that the acting as a whole comes across as hollow, vacant and devoid of any genuine emotion.    These scenes are BIG and contain a lot of yelling, crying and screaming, but to me ultimately fail to convey anything in terms of a connection.   This is why I feel that Debbie Morgan has failed in her submission.   It is sad because any long-time "AMC" viewer knows that Debbi is a fantastic actress with tremendous range, however that is not showcased in this submission.  

Heather Tom submitted 16 mins and 50 seconds that showcase Katie Logan confronting both her cheating husband and his mistress, shortly after having a heart attack.    These scenes were totally engrossing and were by far the most well-balanced and restrained performances of any reel in this category.     From the very first second Heather Tom commanded the screen in a way that none of the other nominees were able to do. You felt her pain, you rooted for her and you just knew that she meant business.    I felt a true sense of urgency from Heather Tom that was lacking in almost all of the other performances; there was genuine emotion behind this.   There is not a single moment in this reel that Heather Tom is not in full control of and not a single moment in which she is overshadowed by another actor.   She is able to elevate otherwise hammy, cheesy writing and make a massive impact. 

Crystal Chappell took a big risk with her tape.   Carly  is in rehab trying to detox from a drug addiction and is struggling with withdrawal and coming to terms with the choices she has made.     Although a unique choice and unlike any of the others, it is far too short to make much of an impact and to me, will be a non-factor in this race.  Despite choosing a tape that features her with little interaction with other actors (except some dayplayers and a very breif moment where Carly's son visits), She carries the tape alone, however I feel that the unique concept of this reel ends up hurting her because, frankly, it is too short to convey properly any sense of who Carly is and why she chose drugs.    It is frankly not memorable and is rendered even less memorable when it is compared to the dynamic tape submitted by Heather Tom in which Katie Logan has a complete and full arch in which she confronts “the other woman”, derides her louse husband for making poor choices, urges him to become a “man of integrity” and asserts her wish for the future that has her husband Bill being a stand-up guy and doing right by her.     

   Erika Slezak is an old pro at submitting tapes, and her record proves it, she has won six Emmy’s out of eight previous nominations.    She made a smart choice and submitted by far the longest reel in the category, at a whopping 30 minuets she is without a doubt the star of her reel.   Not only is she in every single frame of film, but she plays three different characters, and manages to display a level of psychological complexity that other performs would not be capable of.    First there is Viki, the long-suffering matriarch who suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), or multiple personalities who has become trapped inside her own mind because her alter, Nikki Smith has gained control and plans to help Viki’s daughter Jessica’s alter Tess gain custody of Viki’s grandson, Ryder.    Viki is desperate to gain control and take her place in court to fight for custody of her grandchild.   Erika also plays a third alter, Jean Randolph who acts as the gatekeeper to Viki’s mind and body and is totally rationale and lacks empathy and love.     The course of the episode is Viki trying to fight her way out of her mind and back into control of her body, hoping to win custody and put her family back together.    The most impressive aspect of this reel is that Ms. Slezak truly inhabits all three of her characters; and gives each a distinct feel.    One of the most amazing scenes is when Nikki Smith, the wild-child multiple personality of Viki must impersonate Viki, and Erika Slezak hits the nail on the head and does a spot-on imitation of Viki in a way that only Nikki Smith would do.   A lot of people are underestimating this powerful and memorable reel, which I consider a huge mistake because Erika Slezak has a proven track record and with the cancellation of OLTL I believe sentiment will be high enough that voters will reward the actress they have much respect for.

Next up is Laura Wright, the defending champion who submitted 7 mins and 30 seconds of a grieving Carly trying to find a kidney donor for her infant daughter who has cancer in both kidneys.    She begs Jason Morgan, her best friend to convince her enemy, and Jason’s friend, Elizabeth Webber to donate the organs of her son, Jake who has died after being hit by a car.    Although a topic that should provide high impact, this reel is choppy, sloppy and provided me with little emotion.    I feel that the only impactful performance was given by Rebecca Herbst and Jonathan Jackson, and not by Laura Wright.     When Lucky and Elizabeth (Jake’s parents) inform Carly they have consented to donate Jake’s organs, the look of anguish and pain on their face is far more believable than the forced performance of Laura Wright.       When it aired, this performance seemed crisp and fresh and lively and is by far among the best work Laura Wright has ever done, but out of context it feels sloppy and disjointed and leaves little impact.

For me this race is going to boil down to what voters value more:  Honoring a legendary performer with decades of experience in Erika Slezak or honoring the performer that honestly has the best episode submission in Heather Tom.     I believe that voters will likely voter for Erika Slezak, who I am giving the slight edge too.           However, it is worth noting that no matter who wins, history will be made,   A win for Debbi Morgan would crown the first African-American to win the Lead Actress award.   Erika Slezak winning would break a new industry record as she would become the single most honored performer in daytime Emmy history.    A win for Heather Tom would make her the first actress to win Emmy’s at all three competitive levels (Younger, Supporting & Lead).   Crystal Chappell winning would be the first Lead Acting win for “DOOL” since Susan Flannery back in the 1970’s.  

RANKINGS:

(Most to Least Likely to win)

1. Erika Slezak

2.  Heather Tom

3. Debbie Morgan

4. Laura Wright

5. Crystal Chappell

Quote by Boidiva02

    However, it is worth noting that no matter who wins, history will be made,   A win for Debbi Morgan would crown the first African-American to win the Lead Actress award.   Erika Slezak winning would break a new industry record as she would become the single most honored performer in daytime Emmy history.    A win for Heather Tom would make her the first actress to win Emmy’s at all three competitive levels (Younger, Supporting & Lead).   Crystal Chappell winning would be the first Lead Acting win for “DOOL” since Susan Flannery back in the 1970’s.  

Quote by jcar

I think we just forget Wright because I see her as a non-factor though that means she will probably win.  

Quote by Daniel_Montgomery

I guess it would be a minor achievement compared to the others, but if Laura Wright wins, she'd by the first woman ever to win multiple lead-actress Emmys for GH.

Quote by Boidiva02

Nominated Performers:

Debbie Morgan as Dr. Angie Hubbard, All My Children

Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Days of Our Lives

Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord & Alters, One Life To Live

Laura Wright as Carly Jacks, General Hospital

Heather Tom as Katie Logan, the Bold & Beautiful

 

 

 

Debbie Morgan submitted a reel that is 12 minuets and 4 seconds long, containing scenes in which Angie, who is blind learns that the baby she gave birth to months prior died during delivery and that her husband Jesse, lied to her and covered up her daughter’s death.     These scenes provided Ms. Morgan with ample opportunity to act her heart out, and while the writing is top-notch, I feel that the acting as a whole comes across as hollow, vacant and devoid of any genuine emotion.    These scenes are BIG and contain a lot of yelling, crying and screaming, but to me ultimately fail to convey anything in terms of a connection.   This is why I feel that Debbie Morgan has failed in her submission.   It is sad because any long-time "AMC" viewer knows that Debbi is a fantastic actress with tremendous range, however that is not showcased in this submission.  

 

Heather Tom submitted 16 mins and 50 seconds that showcase Katie Logan confronting both her cheating husband and his mistress, shortly after having a heart attack.    These scenes were totally engrossing and were by far the most well-balanced and restrained performances of any reel in this category.     From the very first second Heather Tom commanded the screen in a way that none of the other nominees were able to do. You felt her pain, you rooted for her and you just knew that she meant business.    I felt a true sense of urgency from Heather Tom that was lacking in almost all of the other performances; there was genuine emotion behind this.   There is not a single moment in this reel that Heather Tom is not in full control of and not a single moment in which she is overshadowed by another actor.   She is able to elevate otherwise hammy, cheesy writing and make a massive impact. 

 

Crystal Chappell took a big risk with her tape.   Carly  is in rehab trying to detox from a drug addiction and is struggling with withdrawal and coming to terms with the choices she has made.     Although a unique choice and unlike any of the others, it is far too short to make much of an impact and to me, will be a non-factor in this race.  Despite choosing a tape that features her with little interaction with other actors (except some dayplayers and a very breif moment where Carly's son visits), She carries the tape alone, however I feel that the unique concept of this reel ends up hurting her because, frankly, it is too short to convey properly any sense of who Carly is and why she chose drugs.    It is frankly not memorable and is rendered even less memorable when it is compared to the dynamic tape submitted by Heather Tom in which Katie Logan has a complete and full arch in which she confronts “the other woman”, derides her louse husband for making poor choices, urges him to become a “man of integrity” and asserts her wish for the future that has her husband Bill being a stand-up guy and doing right by her.     

   Erika Slezak is an old pro at submitting tapes, and her record proves it, she has won six Emmy’s out of eight previous nominations.    She made a smart choice and submitted by far the longest reel in the category, at a whopping 30 minuets she is without a doubt the star of her reel.   Not only is she in every single frame of film, but she plays three different characters, and manages to display a level of psychological complexity that other performs would not be capable of.    First there is Viki, the long-suffering matriarch who suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), or multiple personalities who has become trapped inside her own mind because her alter, Nikki Smith has gained control and plans to help Viki’s daughter Jessica’s alter Tess gain custody of Viki’s grandson, Ryder.    Viki is desperate to gain control and take her place in court to fight for custody of her grandchild.   Erika also plays a third alter, Jean Randolph who acts as the gatekeeper to Viki’s mind and body and is totally rationale and lacks empathy and love.     The course of the episode is Viki trying to fight her way out of her mind and back into control of her body, hoping to win custody and put her family back together.    The most impressive aspect of this reel is that Ms. Slezak truly inhabits all three of her characters; and gives each a distinct feel.    One of the most amazing scenes is when Nikki Smith, the wild-child multiple personality of Viki must impersonate Viki, and Erika Slezak hits the nail on the head and does a spot-on imitation of Viki in a way that only Nikki Smith would do.   A lot of people are underestimating this powerful and memorable reel, which I consider a huge mistake because Erika Slezak has a proven track record and with the cancellation of OLTL I believe sentiment will be high enough that voters will reward the actress they have much respect for.

 

 

Next up is Laura Wright, the defending champion who submitted 7 mins and 30 seconds of a grieving Carly trying to find a kidney donor for her infant daughter who has cancer in both kidneys.    She begs Jason Morgan, her best friend to convince her enemy, and Jason’s friend, Elizabeth Webber to donate the organs of her son, Jake who has died after being hit by a car.    Although a topic that should provide high impact, this reel is choppy, sloppy and provided me with little emotion.    I feel that the only impactful performance was given by Rebecca Herbst and Jonathan Jackson, and not by Laura Wright.     When Lucky and Elizabeth (Jake’s parents) inform Carly they have consented to donate Jake’s organs, the look of anguish and pain on their face is far more believable than the forced performance of Laura Wright.       When it aired, this performance seemed crisp and fresh and lively and is by far among the best work Laura Wright has ever done, but out of context it feels sloppy and disjointed and leaves little impact.

 

For me this race is going to boil down to what voters value more:  Honoring a legendary performer with decades of experience in Erika Slezak or honoring the performer that honestly has the best episode submission in Heather Tom.     I believe that voters will likely voter for Erika Slezak, who I am giving the slight edge too.           However, it is worth noting that no matter who wins, history will be made,   A win for Debbi Morgan would crown the first African-American to win the Lead Actress award.   Erika Slezak winning would break a new industry record as she would become the single most honored performer in daytime Emmy history.    A win for Heather Tom would make her the first actress to win Emmy’s at all three competitive levels (Younger, Supporting & Lead).   Crystal Chappell winning would be the first Lead Acting win for “DOOL” since Susan Flannery back in the 1970’s.  

 

RANKINGS:

(Most to Least Likely to win)

1. Erika Slezak

2.  Heather Tom

3. Debbie Morgan

4. Laura Wright

5. Crystal Chappell

I apologize for the delay in my judging comments. I won't bore you with the details, but there were serious health issues in my family. Anyway, I want to say that this crop of submissions is the WORST I've ever judged on goldderby. There's only one performance worthy of even being nominated. I couldn't believe how wretched these performances were.

1. Heather Tom: Far and away the best reel. Tom gives an emotional, but strong and effective performance as a woman who discovers her husband has been sleeping with another woman. She never goes over the top (something her co-nominees do) and the show allows her to express her anger, confusion, jealousy, and hurt without cutting away every 30 seconds. I do not watch B&B but I was completely drawn into Katie's performance because Tom was so strong. Her work with the other woman was just completely engrossing, and I was sad when it ended. Her scenes with Diamont felt so real to me. I never saw Tom going overboard. This is what an Emmy reel should be.  

I don't know how to place the other women because I found myself thinking, "What could MElody Thomas Scott possibly have submitted that was worse than this dreck?"

2. Crystal Chappell--It's a nothing reel because it never gets started. She does an okay job as someone going through withdrawals, but the episode is only about six minutes, but the cuts happen ever 30 seconds. No momentum builds, and half of it is given over to the actor playing Nicholas, and he is not very good. He has very clunky dialogue. 

3. Erika Slezak--UGH, what was she thinking? This reel is a confusing mess. I had no idea what was going on. I haven't watched OLTL and a lot of this didn't make any sense. I also didn't know if it was meant to be taken seriously because if it is meant to be taken seriously, I have no words. Slezak is somewhat good at differentiating between the different roles, but for what point? The dialogue is awful, and parts of the reel are given over to Bree Williamson. The show couldn't even edit down the show properly. The reel is about 4 and a half minutes longer than the time on the disc. I thought the show might be one of the Fraternity Row episodes I'd heard about it. I am stunned to discover it was not.

4. Debbi Morgan--When did Morgan stop acting? I've seen her act on YR and she's dreadful, but this reel is embarrassing on so many levels. I didn't even know the character was meant to be blind for the first three minutes. She yells, stomps around and cries in the worst possible parody of soap acting. I felt bad for her. Darnell Williams was so much more effective with this material. Again, we have material that is pathetic. I buried the baby in the words because you had give up your eyesight for our child? Morgan has an effective moment at the gravesite of her daughter, but most of this reel is just an embarrassment.

5. Laura Wright--Why? There's nothing here. She gets emotional, gives evil eyes to Jaks, and then has a boring convo with Jason. Morgan at least drew me in with her ridiculous overacting, but Wright just isn't there on the screen. She has no screen presence. For anyone who has watched GH, NLG had the same material, and was 1000X better. I was more interested in Liz than anything Carly related.