Mariska Hargitay Set to Take the Stage as Host of the 2026 Emmy Awards

Mariska Hargitay has been tapped to host the 2026 Emmy Awards, bringing her celebrated career in television to the podium of one of the industry's most prestigious nights.

The Law & Order: SVU star shared her excitement about the role in a statement, emphasizing the importance of storytelling throughout her career. "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. Whether it's an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer, we are all so privileged to take part in creating television that unites us. Regardless of how, where or when we watch, we are together in our laughter, our tears, our love of stories — and our delighted anticipation to see what happens next."

Hargitay brings significant credentials to the role. Across her career, she has received nine Emmy nominations and claimed the award in 2006 for her work on SVU.

NBC executives praised the selection. "Mariska has earned her place among television's icons," said Jen Neal, executive VP of Live Events and Specials for NBC and Peacock. "Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has. For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV. As NBC celebrates 100 years of unforgettable storytelling, we can't think of anyone more fitting to help celebrate the incredible legacy of television."

The 78th Emmy Awards will air on NBC on Sunday, September 14, 2026.