NBC and the Television Academy have announced that Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing live Sept. 14 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on NBC, as well as streaming on Peacock.
Hargitay, 62, has been one of NBC’s defining stars for nearly three decades through her portrayal of Capt. Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has earned eight Emmy nominations for the role, winning lead actress in a drama series in 2006, while the series is preparing to begin its 28th season this fall. Hargitay is also considered a potential Emmy contender this year for her documentary My Mom Jayne, which explores the life and legacy of her mother, Jayne Mansfield.
NBC and Television Academy executives praised Hargitay as an ideal choice to headline the broadcast, citing her decades-long impact on television and her connection with audiences. Her selection also marks a notable departure from the recent trend of comedians serving as Emmy hosts, making her the first woman to emcee the ceremony since Jane Lynch in 2011. The Emmys rotate annually among the four major U.S. broadcast networks, with NBC presenting this year’s awards as the network celebrates its 100th anniversary. Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies are scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6 ahead of the main telecast.
In a statement, Hargitay said, “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.” She added, “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.”
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