Historic Emmys hosting return
Mariska Hargitay makes history as the first female Emmys host in 15 years while winning two awards.
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Key Points
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The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles and broadcast on NBC. Hargitay’s pre-recorded opening musical number, “I Love TV,” was set to Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” and featured cameos from Jalen Brunson, Guy Fieri, Jean Smart and Jennifer Coolidge.
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Hargitay’s two 2026 Emmy wins were presented at the Creative Arts Emmys rather than the Primetime ceremony: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program, both for My Mom Jayne.
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Hargitay had previously received 12 Emmy nominations and won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for playing Olivia Benson; she also earned recognition for directing before taking on the 2026 hosting role.
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Before the ceremony, Hargitay attended NBCUniversal’s pre-Emmys party at West Hollywood’s Sunset Tower Hotel, an event that also celebrated NBC’s 100th anniversary. She and Peter Hermann were photographed with Sarah Snook, Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy.
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During a Los Angeles Times photo shoot, Hargitay specifically requested Taylor Swift’s “The Man,” a song focused on gender double standards, underscoring the gender-equity context surrounding her becoming the first female Emmys host in 15 years.
Mariska Hargitay made history on September 14 as the first woman to host the Primetime Emmy Awards in 15 years, opening the 78th ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a musical number and jokes about her iconic role on Law & Order: SVU Hollywood Reporter. The veteran actress called the long absence of female hosts "unbelievable" and "ridiculous," yet accepted the role despite warnings from friends because she wanted a break from television and sees the medium as a healing force Yahoo News.
Opening Number Features Parody and Celebrity Cameos
Hargitay kicked off the night with a pre-recorded musical montage set to Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," titled "I Love TV." The opening featured celebrity cameos from NBA star Jalen Brunson, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, Jean Smart, and Jennifer Coolidge Bleacher Report. The set the tone for a playful, self-referential ceremony that blurred entertainment and awards-show tradition.
Nicole Kidman Interrupts Hargitay's Iconic AMC Ad Bit
During her monologue, Hargitay recreated Nicole Kidman's famous AMC Theatres advertisement, joking "Zip it, movie lady. It's TV's turn tonight." Kidman then appeared to playfully interrupt, claiming "That's my bit" in a back-and-forth moment that blended live performance with viral internet culture Hollywood Reporter Yahoo News. The exchange showed how modern awards shows mix traditional hosting with social media moments and celebrity improvisation.
Hargitay Wins Two Emmy Awards for Mother's Documentary
Earlier in the awards season, Hargitay won two Emmy Awards at the Creative Arts Emmys for her documentary My Mom Jayne, about her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. She took home prizes for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. The wins added to her 12 previous Emmy nominations and her 2005 victory for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Red Carpet and Gender Equity Statement Through Music Choice
Hargitay attended NBCUniversal's pre-Emmys celebration at West Hollywood's Sunset Tower Hotel with her husband, Peter Hermann, wearing a striking red sequin gown. During a Los Angeles Times photo shoot, she specifically requested Taylor Swift's "The Man," a song about gender double standards, underscoring the cultural significance of being the first female Emmys host in 15 years. The choice connected her hosting role to a larger conversation about women's representation in entertainment leadership.
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