2008 Daytime Emmy Awards Coverage

General Hospital proved that crime does pay, as the 45-year-old soap has taken top honors at the 2008 Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday night. The show was broadcasted on ABC live at the Kodak Theatre (except on the West Coast), and was hosted by Cameron Mathison (Ryan, All My Children) and The View‘s Sherri Shepherd.

GH was named “Outstanding Drama Series,” and Anthony Geary was named “Outstanding Lead Actor” as Luke Spencer. This is Geary’s sixth Emmy, as he tied the record for most wins in the Daytime Emmy Awards with Justin Deas and Erika Slezak, whose show, One Life to Live, was nominated in the Drama category.

However, it wasn’t a total loss for the soon-to-be 40-year-old serial, as OLTL won two in writing and directing.

Like Susan Lucci, Erica Kane on All My Children, the streak was over Young & Restless‘ Jeanne Cooper. The grand dame of daytime was named “Outstanding Lead Actress” for Katherine Chancellor, a character she has portrayed since the show began in 1973. Cooper’s Y&R co-star, Kristoff St. John, was named “Outstanding Supporting Actor” for his performance as Neil Winters.

CBS’ streak continued, as returning Guiding Light alum Tom Pelphery won for “Outstanding Younger Actor,” and his co-star Gina Tognoni received the “Outstanding Supporting Actress” award. Though her character Gwen left Oakdale, Jennifer Landon went out with a bang for her win as “Outstanding Younger Actress” on As The World Turns.

For more on the Daytime Emmys, go to the Soaps section at TV Guide.