Mariska Hargitay to Host the Emmys
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- NBC has chosen Mariska Hargitay, star of "Law & Order: SVU," to host the 78th Emmy Awards in September, marking a departure from the usual selection of comedians or sitcom actors as hosts.
- This is the first time in years that a dramatic actress, rather than a comedian, will host the Emmys, with recent hosts including Nate Bargatze, Eugene and Dan Levy, Jimmy Kimmel, and Kenan Thompson.
- Hargitay has portrayed Capt. Olivia Benson since 1999 and is recognized for bringing strength and compassion to her role, making her one of television's highest-paid actors.
- The Emmy nominations will be announced on Wednesday, with the ceremony airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock on September 14.
- The 2026 Emmys mark the final year of the longstanding "wheel deal" rotating broadcast rights among the four major networks, with future broadcasting plans currently uncertain.
