Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards on NBC

Los Angeles: Actor and producer Mariska Hargitay has been announced as the host of the 78th Emmy Awards, marking a rare departure from the tradition of comedian-led ceremonies. The awards will be broadcast on September 14 on NBC as the network celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Hargitay, who is preparing to begin her 28th season starring as Olivia Benson in the iconic Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will become the first Emmy host in nearly two decades whose career is not primarily rooted in comedy.

Expressing her excitement, Hargitay said storytelling has remained at the heart of her career and described it as an honour to celebrate television's creative community during NBC's centennial year. She praised the collective efforts of actors, directors, costume designers, sound professionals and other behind-the-scenes contributors who bring stories to audiences around the world.

Hargitay has enjoyed a distinguished television career, winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 for her portrayal of Olivia Benson. She has received eight additional Emmy nominations for the role and also won a News and Documentary Emmy in 2019 as a producer of the documentary I Am Evidence. Her recent HBO documentary based on her mother and late actress Jayne Mansfield My Mom Jayne is also eligible for this year's Emmy Awards.

The nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards are scheduled to be announced on July 8, while the Creative Arts Emmy Awards will take place on September 5 and 6 ahead of the main ceremony.