Even before the nominations for the 2024 Daytime Emmys were announced, soap opera fans noticed that the Outstanding Young Performer category had been eliminated, meaning there would be one less statuette awarded this year.

Now, soap fans are discussing and dissecting this year's vote, weighing in on which actors were chosen and which should have been. As always, this year's list of nominees is filled with talented candidates, but the absence of some has left daytime drama fans scratching their heads. Scroll down to take a look at the nominations that surprised (and didn't surprise) us, as well as the ones we think should have been recognized.

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Friday, June 7, 8/7 p.m., CBS, Paramount+

Let’s get this year’s biggest snub out of the way right away. Thomas Scott cemented her place as Y&R’s leading hero after alcoholic Nikki was kidnapped by her granddaughter Claire (AKA Eve Nicole), played by Hayley Erin, and given a vodka IV! Some actresses might want to look their best even when they’re being held hostage, but not Thomas Scott—she showcased Nikki’s horrific ordeal in her presentation. “This is the snub everyone’s been talking about,” says Rachel Dillin, Soap Hub’s editor-in-chief. “We ran multiple articles on Melody’s performances last year for our Performer of the Week feature. Her absence from this year’s ballot is glaring.”