Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards, First Female Host in 15 Years

NBC confirmed that "Law & Order: SVU" star and executive producer Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 14, at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

"Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. It’s my great honor to host the 78th Emmy Awards — in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC — and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers," Hargitay said in a statement.

Hargitay becomes the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, following Jane Lynch’s 2011 appearance, and only the fourth female host of the ceremony in this century after Ellen DeGeneres, Heidi Klum and Lynch. NBC executive vice president of live events and specials Jen Neal said the choice aligns with the network’s centennial celebrations.

"Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons. Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has. For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV," Neal added.

Hargitay, who has won an Emmy for outstanding lead drama actress in 2006 and a News & Documentary Emmy in 2017, has previously appeared on the Emmy stage as a presenter and as part of a "Law & Order" tribute. She also serves as a director on "SVU," which enters its 28th season and will reach its 600th episode this fall.

Television Academy chair Cris Abrego praised Hargitay’s connection with audiences.

"Mariska 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," Abrego said.

The Emmy nominations will be announced on July 8, with the Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Production of the main telecast is being handled by Jesse Collins Entertainment for the fourth consecutive year.