Mariska Hargitay to host 2026 Emmy Awards
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Capt. Olivia Benson is taking on a new role on NBC, or rather the actor who plays her is. Mariska Hargitay will be hosting the 78th Emmy Awards.
Networks, which broadcast the show on a rotating basis, often tap stars from their lineups to host the awards show. Hargitay has been a stalwart of NBC, starring in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for 27 seasons. She’s an unconventional choice for host as she’s best known for her dramatic roles — the Emmys have tapped stand-up comedians and comedic actors to helm the show in recent years, including Nate Bargatze in 2025. Hargitay would be the first woman to host since Jane Lynch in 2011.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Emmy nominations, including when and how to watch the announcement.
“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,” said Hargitay in a statement released on Tuesday. “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.”
The ceremony will be held on Sept. 14 and broadcast live from Los Angeles. Hargitay is a previous Emmy winner, earning recognition for her role as Benson in 2011. She has been nominated eight times overall.
‘Beef,’ ‘Hacks’ and ‘The Pitt’ seem set to run the table in this year’s Emmy nominations, but there’s still intrigue to be found in the race, writes columnist Glenn Whipp.
“Mariska is 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,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego in a statement Tuesday. “We’re so delighted to have her join us as the host of this year’s Emmys telecast and know that she will create an unforgettable evening honoring the very best of television.”
The Emmy nominations will be announced Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. In addition to airing on NBC, the Emmy Awards will stream on Peacock at 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 14.
