• Mariska Hargitay will host the 2026 Emmy Awards on NBC on September 14.
  • The Law & Order: SVU star is making history as the first woman to host the show in 15 years.
  • Mariska has been nominated for eight Emmys throughout her career and won for Law & Order: SVU in 2006.

Mariska Hargitay’s latest role is one for the history books.

The 2026 Emmy Awards will air Monday, September 14, on NBC, and television fans are eager to see which shows come out on top. Adding to the excitement, the Law & Order: SVU star has been tapped to host the ceremony. According to Variety, Mariska is the first woman to serve as the Emmys' solo host in 15 years.

“A television legend is hosting television’s biggest night. 🏆,” the caption read on Instagram alongside the announcement. “The 78th Emmy Awards airs LIVE Monday September 14th on NBC and Peacock.”

Fans were thrilled for Mariska and sounded off in the comments.

“The best choice in the world—and it will be the absolute best there is.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍,” one person wrote.

“Legendary, iconic, she will dun dun that 🔥🙌,” another said.

“YES MARISKAAAAA DO THE THING,” a different follower exclaimed.

Mariska has her own history with the Emmy Awards. She’s been nominated eight times for her portrayal of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, winning the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series award in 2006. The show itself has won six of its 23 Emmy nominations over the last 27 seasons.

“Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career,” Mariska said in an official statement, as reported by People. “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,” she added. “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.”

We can’t wait to see what Mariska brings to TV’s biggest night!