The Young and the Restless’ Michelle Stafford carries on the Daytime Emmy lunch tradition

In 2005, the women of soaps birthed an annual tradition leading up to the Daytime Emmy Awards that's still honored today. After Susan Flannery secretly paid the tab, she declared that the next winner would pay for the luncheon the following year. The tradition has remained, two decades later, with Michelle Stafford, a nominee present at the inaugural event, hosting this year's intimate meetup.

Only nominees from The Young and the Restless could attend

Stafford took home the top honor last year at the Daytime Emmys, putting her in charge of hosting duties for this year's luncheon. Despite nominees including stars across several of the major soaps, only her fellow costars from The Young and the Restless were in attendance. Stafford took to Instagram to capture the occasion, writing, "The ladies who lunch. Carrying on this tradition that was started by the great Susan Flannery. This year, we celebrated the Lead and Supporting Actresses."

In attendance were Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) and Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) from the Lead Actress category, and celebrating the occasion from the Supporting Actress category were Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) and Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins). Unfortunately, the remaining ladies were unable to attend the event, which Stafford ensured to include in the caption to avoid backlash regarding inclusion beyond her show.

"Before some of you start yelling at me. The gals who you don’t see in this picture @nancyleegrahn @welcometolaurasworld @katemansi @sharonlcase @emroya @ohmygodfrey were not able to come. We missed you, gorgeous ladies!!"

The event appeared to be an astounding success, with all of the ladies reflecting on the gathering in the comments. Hope echoed the sentiment regarding the missing women at the event, commenting, "Such a fun brunch!! Love you all! And missed the others." Stafford's on-screen rival, Walters, wrote, "So honored to be in the badass bunch of talented women!!! Love you all! Thanks for being the hostess with the mostest." Walters also posted to her own Instagram to document the exquisite baked treats, which featured each of the women's names inside an Emmy envelope, declaring them all winners.

The absent nominees were still supportive

Women supporting other women was on full display at Stafford's Emmy nominee luncheon. In addition to the powerhouse talents in attendance at the star-studded affair, nearly all of the absent nominees expressed their support in the comments of Stafford's event post.

Following Stafford's remark that "Such great conversation! Pinky swears were made!!" General Hospital's Laura Wright (Carly Spencer) responded with, "Ohhh Pinky swear luncheons are the BEST!!!! I’m so sorry I missed it, but I’m so glad you ladies have a great time. Can’t wait to hug you all on Friday."

Other notable names who left sweet comments on the post include Days of our Lives' Linsay Godfrey, who wrote, "Sad to have missed it! Love to you all from Salem (not the one from Days haha). See you Friday! You’re all spectacular." Fellow Salem resident, Emily O'Brien, also expressed her regrets on missing out, saying, "Aw, I wish I could’ve been in town to join you wonderful ladies! Looking forward to celebrating Friday with you all! Xx."

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Stafford's choice to include the Supporting Actress nominees alongside the Lead Actress contenders proved to be an excellent bonding experience for her fellow Genoa City stars. The Daytime Emmy Awards take place this Friday, October 17, and not only will one of the women leave with the prestigious trophy, but the Lead Actress winner will have a luncheon of their own to plan for next year.

Catch all-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and Paramount Plus

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