LOS ANGELES — Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will air on NBC and stream on Peacock on September 14, 2026. The awards ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

NBCUniversal announced Hargitay as the host on July 7, 2026. She is the first woman to host the Primetime Emmy Awards since 2011, when Jane Lynch hosted the ceremony. Nate Bargatze hosted the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for CBS.

Hargitay, who is 62 years old, has starred in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as Olivia Benson since 1999. The series is set to enter its 28th season in fall 2026 and is expected to surpass 600 episodes during that season. Hargitay has also served as an executive producer and director for the show.

Hargitay produced the documentary "I Am Evidence," which won a News and Documentary Emmy Award in 2017. She also directed and produced "My Mom Jayne," a documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield. In June 2026, Hargitay appeared on a float during the New York Knicks' championship parade in New York City.

Hargitay has been nominated eight times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, an award she won in 2006. "Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career," Hargitay said in a statement. She added that it was her "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 also stated, "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."

Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBC and Peacock, said, "Mariska has earned her place among television's icons." Cris Abrego, Chair of the Television Academy, commented that Hargitay is "one of television's most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity and extraordinary connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in culture."

The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on July 8, 2026, by Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller. This announcement will stream live on Emmys.com. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies for the 78th Emmys will take place on September 5 and September 6, 2026. Jesse Collins Entertainment is producing the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.