Soaps win major Daytime Emmys

"The Bold and the Beautiful" won drama series honors for the third consecutive year at the Daytime Emmys Sunday night in a bittersweet ceremony that marked the impending daytime departures of two veteran soap operas along with Regis Philbin and talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, The Associated Press reports.

Executive producer Bradley Bell accepted the trophy, saying, "It's over the top. We're so grateful."

Bell saluted his late father William Bell, who created "The Young and the Restless" and gave the younger Bell his start in the business. "Dad, we did it," he said. "Happy Father's Day."

Laura Wright, who plays Carly Corinthos on "General Hospital," won her first Emmy in her first nomination. Thrusting the trophy in the air, Wright said, "This has been 20 years of the best career ever."

Michael Park, who plays Jack Snyder on CBS' "As the World Turns," earned lead actor honors.

Jonathan Jackson of "General Hospital" and Heather Tom of "The Bold and the Beautiful" earned trophies as supporting actor and actress at the Daytime Emmys.

Jackson, Lucky Spencer on the ABC soap opera, brought his young son and daughter onstage with him to accept the first award presented live on CBS. "It's Father's Day. I couldn't resist," he said at the Las Vegas show hosted by Wayne Brady.

Tom, a veteran soap star who plays Katie Logan Spencer on the CBS show, won for the first time after five nominations in the supporting category.

"Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" tied for best game show.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" earned best talk show-entertainment honors for the second straight year, although she skipped the ceremony.

In a tribute to Winfrey, Gladys Knight sang "That's What Friends Are For" as a montage of the talk queen's shows played behind her. Frequent Oprah guest Celine Dion sang "Because You Loved Me" from the stage at Caesar's Palace. Winfrey appeared on tape with her staff while holding the Crystal Pillar award she was given for changing the face of daytime TV.