“We are blessed with an embarrassment of outstanding nominees and none could shine brighter than this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree, Sonia Manzano. Over the last forty-plus-years, we, and many of our children, have followed her iconic journey as “Maria” on Sesame Street and the National Academy is thrilled to be able to salute her tonight for her extraordinary achievement.”

The star-studded show included appearances by Larry King (Larry King Now), Rita Moreno (EGOT winner), Mario Lopez (EXTRA), Nancy O’Dell and Kevin Frazier (ET), Chris Harrison (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire), Sandra Lee (Emmy Award winning Culinary Host), Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler, and Sheryl Underwood (The Talk), Dr. Mehmet Oz (Dr. Oz), Daphne Oz and Carla Hall (The Chew), Brandon McMillan (Lucky Dog), Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds), Dr. Andrew Ordon and Dr. Jennifer Ashton (The Doctors), Brooke Burns (The Chase), Kristos Andrews (The Bay), Van Hansis (Eastsiders), Matt Doran (Crime Watch), as well as Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jeannie Mae, Loni Love, Tamar Braxton, Adrienne Bailon (The Real). Also presenting are cast members from the four daytime soaps, including Gina Tognoni, Hunter King and Jason Thompson (The Young & the Restless), Teresa Castillo, Laura Wright and Donnell Turner (General Hospital), Karla Mosley, Pierson Fodé and Jacob Young, (The Bold and the Beautiful), Camilla Banus, Billy Flynn and Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives).