The 5th Daytime Emmy Awards were held on Wednesday, June 7, 1978, on ABC, to commemorate excellence in American daytime programming from the previous year (1977). The awards were hosted by Family Feud host Richard Dawson, who also won an award for best game show host. Airing from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST, the telecast preempted General Hospital and The Edge of Night.
Winners in each category are in bold.
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
- All My Children
- Days of Our Lives
- Ryan's Hope
- The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
- Matthew Cowles (Billy Clyde Tuggle, All My Children)
- Lawrence Keith (Nick Davis, All My Children)
- James Pritchett (Dr. Matt Powers, The Doctors)