Mariska Hargitay Wins 2 Emmy Awards for Her Documentary “My Mom Jayne”

**Mariska Hargitay to Host 2026 Emmy Awards Following Documentary Success**

Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role in *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, is set to host the upcoming 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, September 14. This announcement comes fresh on the heels of her triumphant recognition at the Creative Arts Emmys, where her directorial debut, *My Mom Jayne*, won accolades, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

*My Mom Jayne* is a poignant exploration of Hargitay’s mother, the legendary Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield. The film, which is now available for streaming on HBO Max, delves into Mansfield’s remarkable life and career, showcasing never-before-seen photographs and personal home videos. It had its world premiere at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Tribeca Festival in June 2025, drawing significant acclaim.

At the 78th Creative Arts Emmys held on September 5, Hargitay expressed her deep gratitude after receiving the awards for Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the emotional significance of the occasion, saying, “On behalf of my mom and myself, thank you. I’m profoundly grateful to have this moment with her.” She also acknowledged her exceptional team, including producer Trish Adlesic and cinematographer Tony Hardmon, who played pivotal roles in bringing the film to fruition.

This year’s nominees in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category included several notable projects, such as *John Candy: I Like Me*, *Marty, Life Is Short*, *Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!*, and *Ocean with David Attenborough*. Each film offered unique perspectives on celebrated personalities in entertainment and nature.

*John Candy: I Like Me*, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, takes an intimate look into the life of the beloved comedian through home videos and anecdotes from family and friends. With contributions from actors like Bill Murray, Steve Martin, and Tom Hanks, the documentary captures the essence of Candy’s career and personal life.

Meanwhile, *Marty, Life Is Short* focuses on the life of Martin Short, featuring insights from Oscar nominee Lawrence Kasdan. Released on Netflix in May, it includes appearances from stars such as Eugene Levy and John Mulaney, celebrating Short’s extensive contributions to comedy.

The documentary *Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!* showcases the legacy of EGOT winner Mel Brooks and is co-directed by industry veterans Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. Apatow described Brooks as “the greatest of all time” and highlighted the importance of his comedic wisdom.

Lastly, *Ocean with David Attenborough* was produced in collaboration with National Geographic and marks Attenborough’s ongoing exploration of the planet’s oceans. This documentary is particularly noteworthy, as it also earned Attenborough his 14th Emmy nomination since 1985. Commenting on the project, Attenborough expressed concern for the health of the world’s oceans and the need for restoration efforts.

The Creative Arts Emmys will take place on September 5 and 6 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring an edited broadcast set to air on Saturday, September 12, via FXX and streaming on Hulu. Following this, the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, with Hargitay at the helm as host.

Hargitay’s accolades at the Emmys not only highlight her multifaceted talents but also her enduring connection to her mother’s legacy. The recognition of *My Mom Jayne* illustrates the intersection of personal narrative and professional achievement.

As the Emmy Awards approach, excitement is building for Hargitay’s hosting duties, with many eager to see how she will bring her unique flair to the ceremony. The upcoming event promises to celebrate the best in television while honouring significant contributions to documentary storytelling.