Finola Hughes, Outstanding Lead Actress (1991)

Finola Hughes is a force to be reckoned with. Few actresses get the opportunity in daytime to play such a badass character. As super-spy/double-agent/police commissioner Anna Devane, Hughes broke the mold for what a soap heroine should be capable of doing. Challenging stereotype gender roles earned her an Emmy in 1991, the first actress to win in the category from General Hospital. Hughes was incredibly popular as Anna, and the network had her return as Anna on All My Children, where she earned two nominations for Lead Actress. This year marks the 30th anniversary of her win as well as her 9th nomination.