Mariska Hargitay, the star of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and a Knicks superfan, will host the upcoming Emmys, revealing her plans for the event.
Mariska Hargitay, well-known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has been confirmed as the host for the upcoming Emmy Awards. This announcement was made by The Hollywood Reporter on September 9, 2026. Hargitay's hosting marks a significant occasion, as she becomes the first female host in 15 years.
In discussing her plans for the ceremony, Hargitay noted her intention to incorporate her comedic background, establishing a vibrant atmosphere for such a prestigious event. She aims to bring humor to the occasion, which she believes is vital to connecting with both the nominees and the audience. As part of her unique approach, she plans to forgo traditional acceptance speeches in favor of handwritten thank-you notes, emphasizing the importance of manners in the entertainment industry.
Hargitay expressed excitement about the opportunity to highlight the best of television and share jokes, thus marrying her roots in comedy with her current standing as a television icon.
Long before her fame on SVU, Hargitay trained in comedy and made guest appearances on shows such as Seinfeld and Ellen. Although her career path shifted dramatically when she joined SVU in 1999, where she has enjoyed a remarkable run spanning 28 seasons and counting, she continues to balance her acting career with her passion for comedy. Her hosting role at the Emmys taps into this duality, allowing her to display the humorous side that she has cultivated over the years.
During her conversation, Hargitay shared insights into her hosting preparation, stating she has reviewed past Emmy monologues and built her script to ensure it resonates with audiences. While she has not engaged a full team of comedy writers, her method includes piecing together elements from successful past performances.
In addition to her comedic plans, she hinted at a possible cameo from her favorite basketball team, the New York Knicks, suggesting this could add an exciting twist to her hosting duties.
Hargitay's hosting not only illustrates her versatility as an entertainer but also reinforces the continued relevance of awards shows as platforms for celebrating creativity in storytelling. With an emphasis on humor and manners, her hosting will likely appeal to a broad audience eager for engaging and entertaining programming.
Fans of Law & Order: SVU, as well as those who appreciate the comedic talents of Hargitay, may find the event particularly noteworthy. As she prepares to take center stage, viewers can anticipate an evening that promises to combine star recognition with genuine laughter, setting the tone for future award shows.
For more details about the Emmys and insights into this year’s nominees, check out our coverage in related articles: Emmy Awards 2026: A Complete Guide to Parties and Events and What the Costume Emmy Winners Say About Fearless Aesthetics.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
