The pre-nominations for the 44th daytime Emmy awards have been announced. While I can't even begin to guess who will win, I'll be spilling who I think the winners should be.

—Outstanding Lead Actor: Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos, GH); Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, Y&R); Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, B&B); Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera, DAYS); Roger Howarth (Franco, GH); Vincent Irizarry (Deimos Kiriakis, DAYS); Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, Y&R); John McCook (Eric Forrester, B&B).

Who I think should win:Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters, Y&R); Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott, Y&R).

—Outstanding Lead Actress: Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady, DAYS); Sharon Case (Sharon McAvoy, Y&R); Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Newman, Y&R); Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady, DAYS); Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis, GH).

Who I think should win:Jen Lilley (Theresa Donovan, DAYS); Gina Tognoni (Phyllis Summers, Y&R); Heather Tom (Katie Logan, B&B); Jess Walton (Jill Abbott, Y&R); Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos, GH).

—Outstanding Supporting Actor: John Aniston (Victor Kirakis, DAYS); Obba Babatunde (Julius Avant, B&B); Steve Burton (Dylan McAvoy, Y&R).

Who I think should win: Sean Carrigan (Stitch Rayburn, Y&R); Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos, GH); Bryton James (Devon Hamilton, Y&R); Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis, DAYS); Jeffrey Vincent Parise (Carlos/Joe Rivera, GH); James Reynolds (Abe Carver, DAYS); Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri, GH).

—Outstanding Supporting Actress:Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, Y&R); Judi Evans (Adrienne Kiriakis, DAYS).

Who I think should win:Stacy Haiduk (Patty Williams, Y&R); Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman, Y&R); Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Mitchell, Y&R); Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, GH); Anna Maria Horsford (Vivienne Avant, B&B); Kate Mansi (Abigail Deveraux, DAYS); Michelle Stafford (Nina Clay, GH); Kelly Sullivan (Sage Warner, Y&R).

This is the road to the nomination — The actors submit their name for consideration. So if one of your favorites is missing, it may be that they did not want to compete. Many actors opted out, including "Days of Our Lives" actress Melissa Reeves (Jennifer) and "The Young and the Restless" actor Justin Hartley (Adam). The National Association of Television arts and Sciences, which is in charge of the event, has set the following guidelines: online judging ballots containing all entrants in each of the four performer categories (Lead Actor and Actress and Supporting Actor and Actress) were sent to all registered, eligible peer judges. The ballot contained a randomized order of performers in each category, regardless of their show affiliation. Judges were required to view clips online containing the work of each performer entry before selecting their top 10-performer choices. The candidates who received the highest number of votes are deemed "pre-nominees." These performers will now advance to the blue ribbon round. Each actor can submit scenes from up to four shows. The total running time can total up to 20 minutes. Who is on the blue ribbon panel The list is top secret.

The statuettes will be handed out on April 30, and the event will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The other categories — shows, writing, directing — will be announced on the Talk as well. All the shows will be in the running.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.