Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026

Mariska Hargitay, the star of Law & Order: SVU, has been announced as the host of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, set to air on NBC on September 14, 2026. This marks the first time in 15 years that a woman will take on this role. NBCUniversal made the announcement just a day before the nominations are revealed.

Details of the Emmy Awards Ceremony

The Emmy Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater, a venue with historical significance as it will also host the Oscars in the near future. In addition to airing on NBC, the ceremony will be available for streaming on Peacock.

Hargitay, who has been a prominent figure on NBC since 1999, is celebrated for her role as detective Olivia Benson in one of television's longest-running dramas. She has received eight nominations for her performance, winning the award for lead actress in a drama series in 2006.

Mariska Hargitay's Impact and Advocacy

Beyond her acting career, Hargitay is known for her advocacy work for sexual assault victims. This year, she may be nominated again for her documentary titled My Mom Jayne, which focuses on her mother, Jayne Mansfield.

Earlier in 2026, Hargitay was spotted supporting the New York Knicks during their championship run, showcasing her dedication to her favorite sports team.

Emmy Awards Hosting Trends

The role of hosting the Emmys rotates among the major US broadcast networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox. Despite the shift towards streaming platforms, traditional nominations have not disappeared completely. Last year's host was comedian Nate Bargatze, making Hargitay's selection a notable change.

While NBC is not expected to dominate nominations this year, the iconic Saturday Night Live consistently garners attention during award seasons. Anticipated contenders include Pluribus from Apple TV and The Pitt from HBO Max, featuring former NBC star Noah Wyle.