Logo text
One of television’s most recognizable faces will serve as host of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in September.
Law & Order: SVU Star Mariska Hargitay will host the awards ceremony, which is scheduled to air on September 14 on NBC. Hargitay is entering her 28th season as a star SVUwhich airs on NBC and is the longest-running prime-time drama in the history of American television.
She will also be the first host who has not been primarily known for her comedy work in nearly two decades. The last time the Emmys host wasn’t a comedian or comedian was in 2008, when the five Best Reality Host nominees (Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst, and Ryan Seacrest) shared emcee duties.
“Shedding light on important stories has been the beating heart of my career,” Hargitay said in a statement. “It is my great honor to host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards – on the 100th anniversary of the birth of our beloved NBC franchise – and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers. Whether actor, director, costume designer or sound designer, we are all so fortunate to co-create television that unites us. No matter how, where or when we watch, we are together in our laughter, our tears, our love of stories – and our joyful anticipation to see what happens next.”
Hargitay won an Emmy for his role as Olivia Benson SVU in 2006 and was nominated eight more times. She also won a News and Documentary Emmy Award in 2019 for producing the documentary I am the guide; Her 2025 HBO documentary My mom Jane Eligible for awards this year.
“Mariska has earned her place among television icons,” said Jane Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials for NBC and Peacock. “Few artists have left a mark on television like Mariska. Over the course of 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of television’s most beloved characters. As NBC celebrates 100 years of unforgettable storytelling, we can’t think of anyone better suited to help celebrate television’s incredible legacy.”
Added Television Academy President Chris Abrego, “Mariska is one of television’s most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity, and exceptional connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in the culture. We are thrilled to have her join us as host of this year’s TV Emmys and know she will create an unforgettable evening honoring the best in television.”
Nominations for the Emmys will be announced on Wednesday (see final predictions from THR’Scott Feinberg). The Creative Arts Awards will be held on September 5 and 6. Jesse Collins Entertainment is producing the Emmy Award telecast. Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jenna Rosanne Clay are executive producers.
