Mariska Hargitay is preparing to take center stage at one of television’s biggest nights.
The Emmy-winning actress has officially been tapped to host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, bringing one of television’s most recognizable and respected stars to the ceremony as NBC celebrates its landmark 100th anniversary.
The 2026 Emmys are scheduled to air live on Sunday, September 14, on NBC, and Hargitay’s selection feels especially fitting given her extraordinary relationship with both the network and the television industry.
For nearly three decades, Hargitay has portrayed Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, creating one of the longest-running and most celebrated performances in television history.
Now she’ll be leading an evening dedicated to honoring the best work across the medium she has helped shape for generations of viewers.
Sharing her excitement about the announcement, Hargitay reflected on what television has meant throughout her career.
“Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. 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.”
The statement perfectly captures the role Hargitay has played throughout her career.
While millions know her as Olivia Benson, she’s also become one of television’s strongest advocates for storytelling that tackles difficult subjects with empathy and compassion.
Her work on Law & Order: SVU has earned widespread acclaim not only for its longevity but also for the impact the series has had on conversations surrounding survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Over the course of her career, Hargitay has received nine Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 for her performance on SVU.
That recognition represents just one chapter in a career that has influenced television both on and off screen.
NBC executives believe she’s the ideal person to guide this year’s celebration.
“Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons,” Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials for NBC and Peacock, said in a statement.
“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.”
