Inside the Emmy-Nominated Actresses Lunch!

By Michelle Parkerton Updated: June 3, 2024

Instagram

Soaps In Depth has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

A long-standing daytime television tradition got a bit of an update ahead of the June 7, 2024, Daytime Emmy Awards! Each year, shortly before the ceremony, the reigning Outstanding Lead Actress from the previous year hosts a special gathering for all of the current year’s Lead Actress nominees. On June 1, The Bold & The Beautiful star Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) invited the 2024 Lead Actress nominees to lunch at The Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills — and extended the invitation to all of the female Daytime Emmy nominees!

In attendance for the delicious meal at the rooftop restaurant were Lead Actress nominees Tamara Braun (Ava, Days of Our Lives), Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B), Annika Noelle (Hope, B&B), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young & The Restless), and Cynthia Watros (Nina, GH). Additionally, Supporting Actress contenders Jennifer Gareis (Donna, B&B), Courtney Hope (Sally, Y&R), Allison Lanier (Summer, Y&R), and Emily O’Brien (Gwen, DAYS) joined in on the fun, as did Guest Performers Ashley Jones (Bridget, B&B) and Alley Mills (Heather, GH). Unfortunately, Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, Days) was unable to be there.

The merriment continued later on at a pre-Emmys party hosted by Gareis, but the real celebrating will take place on Friday, June 7, when this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards are handed out. (Also indicating who will host the 2025 luncheon!) In the meantime, scroll through the gallery below to see some of the fun shots from the beautiful afternoon!

Instagram
Share this:
Located on the 12^th floor of the luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, The Rooftop by JG offers sweeping panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
Instagram
Share this:
“Lovely day with these talented women,” Jones summed up.
Instagram
Share this:
The four Supporting Actress nominees were thrilled to be included in the sweet celebration.
Instagram
Share this:
According to Hope, Stafford missed out on being in the large group shot because “she couldn’t make it until later.”
Instagram
Share this:
“Beautiful lunch this weekend with the Emmy noms,” said Hughes, here looking at photos with Noelle. “Thank you to Jacqueline for putting together a stunning, fun, and uplifting afternoon. Had so many fantastic conversations and laughs.”
Instagram
Share this:
“How wonderful it was to get to know all of you incredible women, I am so grateful,” gushed O’Brien, here with DAYS co-star Braun. “I can’t wait to celebrate with you all at the Emmys.”
Instagram
Share this:
Lang goofed around with her B&B co-stars, Wood and Noelle. “Daytime Emmy nominated actresses luncheon,” she wrote. “Thank you, Jacqueline, for hosting such a beautiful lunch. It was a special day celebrating with all these amazing women!”
Instagram
Share this:
Jones caught up with her former B&B co-star Mills, who played Pam before moving across the dial to Port Charles!
Instagram
Share this:
“To be alongside these beautiful powerhouse women is an honor!” noted Hope. “What a wonderfully fun Emmy nominee brunch! Thank you, Jaqueline, for including us all!”