Mariska Hargitay has made history as she hosted the 2026 Emmy Awards, becoming the first woman to take on this role in 15 years. The iconic Law & Order: SVU actress graced the ceremony held on 14 September, marking a significant milestone in the awards’ history, a role last filled by Jane Lynch in 2011. Joining her on this momentous occasion were her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children, creating a beautiful family moment.
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Hargitay, who is now 62, arrived on the red carpet in a stunning red sequin dress embellished with fringes. Complementing her elegant appearance, 15-year-old daughter Amaya Josephine wore a slightly shorter version of her mother’s outfit, both paired with matching pointed-toe heels. Meanwhile, Hermann, aged 59, and their two sons, 20-year-old August Miklos Friedrich and 14-year-old Andrew Nicolas, donned classic black suits adorned with bow ties, showcasing a unified family theme.
This year has been particularly successful for Hargitay, who also won awards for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Documentary/Nonfiction Program for her film, My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay, at the 78th Creative Arts Emmys. Reflecting on her achievements, Hargitay expressed immense gratitude for being able to dedicate her career to storytelling, a sentiment she shared in an interview with PEOPLE. “I feel more energised about the power of storytelling than ever before,” she noted, highlighting the importance of narratives in her work.
The actress announced her hosting role back in July, sharing her initial reaction during an appearance on the Today show. “I thought, ‘Oh, I should answer this. Am I getting fired?’” she joked, recalling the nervousness she felt upon receiving the offer from Pearlena Igbokwe, the head of the network. Hargitay admitted that she initially thought it was a prank, only to later realise the significance of the opportunity she had been presented with.
In the lead-up to the awards show, Hargitay sought advice from various peers, exploring different perspectives on how to manage the evening’s events. “Who haven’t I turned to for advice!” she commented about her preparations, revealing her commitment to ensuring the night unfolded smoothly. Her willingness to engage with others on such matters illustrates her collaborative approach to leading a high-profile occasion.
Prior to the Emmy’s glitz and glamour, Hargitay celebrated her recent success at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, accepting accolades in a striking strapless red gown by Elie Saab. The evening was a joyous occasion, spotlighting her achievements both as a performer and as a director, as she clinched awards for her documentary film.
The night at the Emmys was especially meaningful for Hargitay and Hermann, who recently marked their 22nd wedding anniversary. Their love story began during the third season of Law & Order when Hermann made a guest appearance as a defence attorney. Their relationship blossomed shortly after, when he invited Hargitay to attend church with him after filming concluded.
The couple wed on 28 August 2004, and their family was expanded with the birth of their son August, followed by Amaya and Andrew in the years that followed. Reflecting on her relationship, Hargitay expressed a sense of gratitude, stating she feels “blessed” in the love department. She elaborated on the secret to their enduring relationship, citing the concepts of “disciplined curiosity” and active listening as key components of their strong bond.
As she takes on this pivotal role at the Emmy Awards, Hargitay embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication, not only celebrating her own achievements but also embracing the joy of family and the power of stories in shaping our lives. The evening showcased not only her professional accomplishments but served as a reminder of the support and love that surrounds her, both at home and within the industry.