The 8th Daytime Emmy Awards were held on Thursday, May 21, 1981, to commemorate excellence in daytime programming from March 6, 1980 to March 5, 1981. The eighth awards did not include the cameo category from the previous year, so only five awards were given, like in previous years. The ceremony was telecast from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on ABC, preempting General Hospital and The Edge of Night. 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