Mariska Hargitay has recently received high-profile recognition for her documentary about her late mother, the famous Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield. Announced on 8 July 2026, the Television Academy’s nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards featured Hargitay’s work, titled *My Mom Jayne*, standing out in three categories: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program, and Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program.
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The actress, best known for her portrayal of Olivia Benson in *Law & Order: SVU*, expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt statement. “I’m thrilled and deeply moved by these nominations. It’s an emotional moment, because what feels most natural to say is ‘On behalf of my mum and myself, thank you.’ I’m profoundly grateful to have this moment with her,” said Hargitay. She also extended her appreciation to her production team, particularly mentioning producer Trish Adlesic and cinematographer Tony Hardmon.
*My Mom Jayne* premiered in June at both the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, where it was met with enthusiastic critical praise. The documentary delves into Mansfield’s vibrant life and her unfortunate passing in a car accident in 1967, when Hargitay was just three years old. It explores not only the grief of losing her mother but also the family secrets that have long remained hidden, all while Hargitay seeks to reconnect with her roots and reflect on her personal identity.
In a post-screening discussion at the Wythe Hotel in New York City, Hargitay described creating the documentary as a transformative experience. “I think that telling this story was a defining part of my life’s work,” she shared. “I feel like a different human being since I made the film. It not only cleared a lot of internal space, but organised me in a new way. And I’m incredibly proud to be my mother’s daughter.”
The documentary has also gained traction with the Critics Choice Documentary Awards, receiving nominations for Best First Documentary Feature and Best Biographical Documentary, with the winners set to be announced on 9 November.
Hargitay aims to connect with her audience on a deeper level, hoping viewers recognise the film’s universal themes. “I hope that people come away with the universality of the film, and they realise it’s a family story,” she explained. “I’d like to think of it as a gentle invitation to look at our own families.” She noted that many viewers have expressed newfound courage in addressing their family narratives as a result of the film.
During the production process, Hargitay discovered an unexpected appreciation for her mother’s comedic talent while sifting through decades of archival footage. “We could have built a 20-minute section that would have shown that Jayne was a comedian. I mean, she was really funny and so quick-witted,” Hargitay recounted on the *Good Hang with Amy Poehler* podcast. She described the archival material as both a treasure and a challenge due to its abundance.
Reflecting on the emotional journey of creating *My Mom Jayne*, Hargitay conveyed no regrets about the project. “I have no regrets. None,” she asserted. “There’s so much love and healing from all factions of the family. Now we’re all one.”
In conjunction with this significant career achievement, Hargitay will also host the forthcoming Emmy Awards on 14 September at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. “Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career,” she commented. “It’s my great honour to host the 78th Emmy Awards—especially in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC—and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers.”
*My Mom Jayne* is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. As Hargitay navigates this pivotal moment in her career, her documentary continues to resonate deeply with audiences, melding personal history with the universal journey of family and loss.