The 32nd Directors Guild of America Awards, honoring the outstanding directorial achievements in film and television in 1979, were presented on March 15, 1980 at the Beverly Hilton.

[1] The award honoring commercial directors was given out for the first time at this ceremony.

[2] Robert Benton – Kramer vs. Kramer Roger Young – Lou Grant for "Cop" Charles S. Dubin – M*A*S*H for "Period of Adjustment" Tony Charmoli – John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together Alfred R. Kelman – The Body Human: The Magic Sense Don Mischer – Kennedy Center Honors Michael Mann – The Jericho Mile Robert Lieberman