The 6th Daytime Emmy Awards were held in 1979 to commemorate excellence in American daytime programming from the previous year (1978). The 1979 Emmy awards introduced the supporting actor and actress categories, meaning that five awards were given out that year, a first in the awards show's history. The outstanding individual achievement in technical and design excellence for daytime drama series category made its debut also (which includes video, audio, music, lighting, art and scenic directors, designers, makeup artists, hair dressers, graphic and title sequence designers). The ceremony was telecast at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 17 on CBS. Guiding Light, normally scheduled for 2:30-3:30 p.m., aired a half-hour episode. Love of Life, normally scheduled for 4 p.m., was preempted. 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 Daytime Drama Series Writing

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Directing

Outstanding Game Show

Outstanding Game Show Host