"The Bold and the Beautiful" won drama series honors at the Daytime Emmys on Sunday, the CBS soap opera's first such victory in 22 years on the air.
It was a poignant victory for executive producer Bradley Bell, whose late father, William J. Bell, co-created "The Young and the Restless," a show that was honored seven times in the same category.
Drama series lead acting honors went to Christian LeBlanc of "The Young and the Restless," and Susan Haskell of ABC's "One Life to Live."
"Guiding Light" earned one of its last trophies before it leaves the air after 72 years. Jeff Branson, who plays Shayne Lewis on the CBS soap, tied for supporting actor.
"This is so bittersweet," he said backstage.
He tied with Vincent Irizarry of ABC's "All My Children," who got his soap start on "Guiding Light" in the early 1980s.
Singing, dancing, comedy and a touch of pathos set against the glitzy backdrop of a historic theater in Los Angeles were part of the 36th annual Daytime Emmys in an attempt to lure an eroding audience for award shows.
Host Vanessa Williams' singing and dancing chops were on display in the opening number, a parody set to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" from the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys" in which she was comically inserted into scenes from soaps and game shows.