Mariska Hargitay took the stage at the 2026 Emmy Awards, marking her first time hosting the televised ceremony. The Law & Order: SVU star opened with a monologue that balanced humor with heartfelt moments about the power of storytelling in television. She revealed that before accepting the hosting gig, she received consistent advice to avoid sincerity, which she proceeded to ignore with characteristic boldness.
Hargitay’s opening remarks took an unexpected turn when actress Nicole Kidman interrupted her mid-monologue, pointing out that the host was quoting Kidman’s famous AMC theater advertisement. The playful interruption allowed Hargitay to deliver a witty comeback: “Zip it, movie lady, it’s TV’s turn tonight.” The exchange served as a comedic highlight and set the tone for the evening’s celebration of television excellence.
The hosting assignment represented a significant milestone for Hargitay, as she became the first woman to helm the Emmys since Jane Lynch in 2011. Her comedy background, including early training with the renowned Groundlings improv troupe and appearances on sitcoms like Seinfeld, positioned her well for the challenge. Despite her reputation for serious dramatic work, Hargitay demonstrated that her entertainment toolkit extends far beyond the crime drama that made her a household name.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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