The 1996–1997 Daytime Emmy Awards were presented on May 21, 1997 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.
| Outstanding Drama | General Hospital (ABC) |
| Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Justin Deas, Guiding Light (CBS) |
| Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Jess Walton, The Young and the Restless (CBS) |
| Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Ian Buchanan, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS) |
| Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless (CBS) |
| Younger Actor in a Drama Series | Kevin Mambo, Guiding Light (CBS) |
| Younger Actress in a Drama Series | Sarah Brown, General Hospital (ABC) |
| Outstanding Children's Series | Reading Rainbow (PBS) |
| Outstanding Children's Special | Elmo Saves Christmas (PBS) |
| Outstanding Children's Animated Program | Animaniacs (WB) |
| Outstanding Game Show | The Price Is Right (CBS) |
| Outstanding Game-Show Host | Pat Sajak, Wheel of Fortune (syndicated) |
| Outstanding Talk Show | The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated) |
| Outstanding Talk-Show Host | Rosie O'Donnell, The Rosie O'Donnell Show (syndicated) |
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