The 38th annual NAACP Image Award nominees have been announced, and statuettes will be handed out on March 2, live on the FOX network. These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of colour in literature, television, motion pictures and the recording arts.

Among those being considered for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series are Michael B. Jordan (Reggie, All My Children), Bryton McClure (Devon, The Young and the Restless), James Reynolds (Abe, Days of Our Lives), Antonio Sabato Jr. (Dante, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Kristoff St. John (Neil, Y&R).

The ladies contending for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series are Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline, One Life to Live), Christel Khalil (Lily, Y&R), Tracey Ross (Eve, Passions), Davetta Sherwood (ex-Lily, Y&R) and Yvonna Wright (Mel, Guiding Light).

Some people might be surprised that Victoria Rowell is not on the list after having a fabulous year on Y&R, but rest assured, Rowell has won numerous NAACP Image Awards already, and word is she did not submit herself to be nominated this time. Rowell is long overdue for a Daytime Emmy, so maybe we'll be seeing her at the podium accepting that award come April.

FAN EVENT:

Come sail away with 10 of your favourite soap stars. This November, Carnival Cruise Lines will take you on its Imagination ship for a four-day adventure. Scheduled to be joining fans on the voyage are Cameron Mathison (Ryan) and Alicia Minshew (Kendall) from AMC; Winsor Harmon (Thorne) and Ronn Moss (Ridge) from B&B; James Scott (EJ) and Julie Pinson (Billie) from Days; Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) from General Hospital; Don Diamont (Brad) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael) from Y&R; and Austin Peck (Brad), who recently started on As the World Turns. Again, these stars are scheduled to appear, but keep checking to see if any additions or subtractions have been made.

The star-studded event departs from Miami on November 15 and docks in Key West and Cancun/Calica before heading back to Miami on November 19. There will be ample opportunities to meet your favourite stars, and when you don't want to get caught up in the craziness of soap-fan mania, you can always relax at the ship's day spa or sip daiquiris by the pool.

Events include a cocktail party, soap trivia game and a chance to act out a scene with your favourite actor or actress. You can also have your photo taken professionally with the stars. Also, the first 100 people to register for the cruise will be invited to a VIP breakfast with the talent, so act quick!

Log on to www.soapcruise.com to learn how to register, or contact the following company that is organising the cruise: CWT/Travel Plus at 800-626-0870, or 8091 Commerce Rd., Commerce Township, MI 48382.

I'm sad to report that Darlene Conley, who played the feisty Sally Spectra on B&B from 1988 to 2006, died on January 14, 2007, of stomach cancer. She had just undergone emergency surgery for the disease and was expected to recover and begin chemotherapy and radiation, but she took a turn for the worse, and we lost a great lady. Please look for a tribute to Darlene in next week's column. We'll miss you, Darlene.