Mariska Hargitay Becomes First Female Emmy Host in 15 Years

Television's biggest awards ceremony, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, is getting a new host as Emmy-winning actor, director and producer Mariska Hargitay has been announced. On July 7, the Television Academy and NBC announced the news. The awards show will air live on September 14, 2026, on NBC and Peacock on Peacock Theater in LA.

For the first time in her career, Hargitay, who is perhaps best known for playing Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is hosting the Emmys. She also joins Jane Lynch, who hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2011, as the first woman to host the show in 15 years. Hargitay is the fourth woman of the 21st century to host the Emmys on her own.

“It is a privilege to be here and the significance of television story telling was made clear by Hargitay in his statement issued by the Television Academy. It was an incredible honor to host the Emmy Awards during NBC's 100th anniversary celebration and honor the community of storytelling, in a medium that reaches viewers around the world," she said. She also recognized the work of actors, directors, costume designers, sound designers and others who have contributed to making the TV shows she has seen so memorable.

Since his time on Law & Order: SVU in 1999, Hargitay has been one of NBC's most recognizable faces. She has been well received for her role as Olivia Benson, and has garnered eight Primetime Emmy nominations and an award in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The series, which has been running for 28 seasons on a regular basis, will make a return on airwaves for its 28th season, making it the longest-running primetime live-action drama on the airwaves.

Key Highlights:

• Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026
• She became the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years
• The 2026 Emmys will coincide with NBC's 100th anniversary

In addition to her acting career, Hargitay has worked in TV as a director and executive producer. Her dedication to supporting survivors of sexual assault, particularly via her advocacy organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation, reinforces her standing as one of television's most influential personalities.

The 2026 Emmy Awards come in a pivotal year for NBC, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the network's existence. The ceremony will be produced once again by Jesse Collins Entertainment, which will be executive produced by Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, according to the Television Academy. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held on September 5 and 6 before the telecast of the main Awards.

The news is coming just ahead of the release of nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be announced July 8. The ceremony, led by Hargitay, will aim to mark yet another successful year in the television arena and honor the artists and creative minds that continue to influence the world of entertainment.