The 12th Daytime Emmy Awards were held on Thursday, August 1, 1985, on CBS to commemorate excellence in daytime programming from March 6, 1984, to March 5, 1985. Two new categories were added: Outstanding Young Man in a Daytime Drama Series and Outstanding Ingenue in a Daytime Drama Series. Of the 13 categories (including Lifetime Achievement) available that year, the broadcast showed the presentation of awards in seven categories. Broadcast from 3-4:30 p.m., it preempted Guiding Light and Body Language. The telecast marked the last time the Daytime Emmys would preempt any network programming airing at 4 p.m. EST. Winners in each category are in bold.

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Young Man in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Ingenue in a Daytime Drama Series

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Writing

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Directing

Outstanding Game Show

Outstanding Game Show Host

Outstanding Animated Program

Outstanding Film Sound Editing

Lifetime achievement award