Mariska Hargitay to Host the Emmys, First Woman to Lead the Show in 15 Years

NBC has selected one of its most recognizable primetime stars to lead this year's Emmy Awards. Mariska Hargitay, star and executive producer of "Law & Order: SVU," will host the 78th Emmy Awards, marking a notable milestone for the ceremony.

Hargitay becomes the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, since Jane Lynch emceed the show for Fox in 2011. The ceremony will take place at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater on Monday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, airing live on NBC and Peacock.

A Milestone Choice for the Ceremony

In a statement, Hargitay described the role as a great honor, tying it to a landmark year for the network. "Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career," she said. "It's my great honor to host the 78th Emmy Awards — in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC — and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers."

She added that everyone involved in television, "whether it's an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer," shares in the privilege of creating work that unites audiences in "our laughter, our tears, our love of stories."

The pick represents an unusual choice by NBC and the Television Academy, which in recent years have leaned toward stand-up comedians, late-night hosts and comedic actors. When NBC last held the Emmys in 2022, "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson hosted; in 2018, "SNL Weekend Update" anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost took the helm. Last year, stand-up comic Nate Bargatze hosted the telecast for CBS.

Only the Fourth Female Host This Century

Beyond being the first female Emmy host in 15 years, Hargitay is just the fourth this century. She follows Ellen DeGeneres (2001 and 2005), Heidi Klum (who co-hosted in 2008 with Tom Bergeron, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst and Ryan Seacrest) and Jane Lynch.

Jen Neal, NBC and Peacock's executive VP of live events and specials, said bringing in a marquee network figure aligned with this year's NBC 100 celebrations. "Mariska has earned her place among television's icons," Neal said. "For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV."

Television Academy chair Cris Abrego echoed the praise, calling Hargitay "one of television's most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity and extraordinary connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in culture."

A Familiar Face at the Emmys

Hargitay is no newcomer to the Emmy stage. She won the outstanding lead drama actress award in 2006 for "SVU" and earned eight nominations in that category, consecutively from 2004 to 2011. In 2017, she won a News and Documentary Emmy as a producer on "I Am Evidence," which took the best documentary prize that year.

She also appeared at last year's ceremony as part of a tribute marking the 35th anniversary of the "Law & Order" franchise, and she has served as a presenter on the telecast multiple times.

Hargitay has starred as Capt. Olivia Benson on "SVU" since 1999, making the series the longest-running primetime live-action drama in television history. Along with her Emmy wins, she has taken home a Golden Globe and earned six nominations at the SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards. She also directs on the show, which enters its 28th season this fall and will reach its 600th episode.

A Standout Year

The hosting gig caps a busy period for Hargitay. She recently wrapped her Broadway debut in the solo play "Every Brilliant Thing" at the Hudson Theatre. Her personal documentary "My Mom Jayne," focused on the life and legacy of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, has already won awards and has been submitted for Emmy consideration in the documentary (special) category.

Hargitay and her team will work closely with Jesse Collins Entertainment, which signed on in April to produce the ceremony for a fourth consecutive year. Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay serve as executive producers of the telecast.

Nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards will be announced by the Television Academy on Wednesday, July 8, streaming live at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT on Emmys.com. The two Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies, produced by Bob Bain Productions in association with the Television Academy, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6. With so much happening in her career this year, share this story and let us know what you're most looking forward to at the ceremony.

Source: Variety