'All My Children' leads race for Daytime Emmys

NEW YORK -- ABC's "All My Children" earned a leading 18 Daytime Emmy nominations on Wednesday for a year of stories about two babies inadvertently switched. But the soap opera's best-known actress, Susan Lucci, was snubbed.

"The View" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" both had 11 nominations in talk show categories.

Martha Stewart, about to be released from prison, received three nominations. "Postcards from Buster," the PBS show criticized by the Bush administration for an episode in which a lesbian couple was seen, was nominated for best children's series.

The 32nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be given out by the National Television Academy May 20 at Radio City Music Hall, in a ceremony televised by CBS.

During a year in which eight women were nominated for best actress in a soap opera, it was odd to see Lucci -- or anyone from "All My Children" -- left out, said Carolyn Hinsey, editor of Soap Opera Weekly.

Lucci had a strong year, including one episode where she pounded her fists in frustration on her grandchild's casket, Hinsey said.

Lucci's famous Daytime Emmy losing streak ended in 1999, but she hasn't won since.

Best actress nominees were Martha Byrne, "As the World Turns"; Susan Flannery, "The Bold and the Beautiful"; Nancy Lee Grahn, "General Hospital"; Kim Zimmer, "Guiding Light"; Erika Slezak and Kassie DePaiva, "One Life to Live"; Juliet Mills, "Passions"; and Michelle Stafford, "The Young and the Restless."

Melody Thomas Scott of "The Young and the Restless" and Dierdre Hall of "Days of Our Lives" were also eyebrow-raising omissions, Hinsey said.

"It's surprising to me that three of the powerhouse names in the industry weren't there," she said.

"All My Children" will compete for best drama series, with its star Michael E. Knight nominated for best actor along with Roger Howarth of "As the World Turns," Jack Wagner of "The Bold and the Beautiful," Steve Burton of "General Hospital," Grant Aleksander of "Guiding Light" and Christian Jules LeBlanc of "The Young and the Restless."

"General Hospital" and "Guiding Light" both received 13 nominations, as did the venerable children's show "Sesame Street."

DeGeneres' show won last year's award for best talk show -- in its freshman season -- and will be competing in that category this year against "The View," "Live With Regis & Kelly," "Dr. Phil" and "Soap Talk." Hosts of each show were also nominated for best talk show host.

One big name left off the list: Jane Pauley, whose high-profile talk show has been a disappointment for NBC.

Three well-known stars are competing for Daytime Emmys for the voiceover work in cartoons: Henry Winkler, Mel Brooks and Joan Cusack.

The Emmy for outstanding service show host could be decided in a kitchen, with chefs Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse and Michael Chiarello all receiving nominations. Stewart and Bob Vila were also recognized in this category.

"The Price is Right" host Bob Barker will be trying for his 14th Emmy as best game show host, competing against Alex Trebek of "Jeopardy!" and Meredith Vieira of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."