Daytime Emmy Statue for Rosie; 17th Bust for Lucci

NEW YORK — Talk show divas Oprah and Rosie fought to a draw Wednesday night in the 24th annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony. And Susan Lucci lost again.

Tears streamed down Rosie O’Donnell’s face as she accepted the award for best talk show host. She remembered sitting in Radio City Music Hall watching “The Nutcracker Suite” with her mother and sister as a child.

“I feel as though they have guided me in my life,” she said on the show, telecast live on ABC.

“The Oprah Winfrey Show” was named outstanding talk show for the fourth consecutive year. It was the 26th Emmy for the show since it began more than a decade ago. Victory is becoming such old hat Winfrey didn’t even bother coming on stage.

Perennial loser Lucci was nominated for the 17th time as best actress in a soap opera for her role as Erica Kane on “All My Children.” For the 17th time, she lost, to first-time nominee Jess Walton of “The Young and the Restless.”

Lucci, who has parlayed her long losing streak into a second career, joked about it with fellow co-host Regis Philbin. Philbin and “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee” have received 27 nominations with no victories.

“I’ve never won a Daytime Emmy,” Philbin said, “and I’m getting pretty steamed about it.”

Lucci replied: “We all sympathize with you, Regis.”

After the show, Lucci congratulated Walton, then added: “I’d still love to win. I wish I’d heard my name.”

“General Hospital” won the award for drama series. Justin Deas of “The Guiding Light” won for best actor in a soap opera.

Pat Sajak won his second award as best game show host for his role spinning the “Wheel of Fortune.” Veteran Bob Barker’s show, “The Price is Right,” won for best game show.

On his fourth try, Ian Buchanan won his first Daytime Emmy for best supporting actor for his role as James on “The Bold and the Beautiful.”