See the 12 Coolest Throwback Photos of Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson in the long-running series “Law & Order: SVU,” has established herself as a staple on the red carpet since the late 1990s. The Emmy-winning actress, who joined the cast of the iconic police procedural in 1999, has accrued significant accolades including both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her compelling performance.

Reflecting on her career during a recent Hello Sunshine event, Hargitay expressed the profound impact playing Benson has had on her life. “It’s changed me in so many ways,” she remarked, framing her character’s journey as a unique feminist narrative. “I look at it sort of as the perfect feminist story, in a way, of how I started here and actually sort of grew into this character and into this person right onscreen and off.”

Adding to her illustrious career, in July 2026, Hargitay was announced as the host for the upcoming Emmy Awards. The announcement followed her exciting Broadway debut in the play “Every Brilliant Thing.” In a candid moment during an August 2026 appearance on the Today show, she recounted receiving the call from Pearlena Igbokwe, head of the network. “I was backstage, doing my play, and I got a call. It was Pearlena, and I thought, ‘Oh, I should answer this. Am I getting fired?’” Hargitay laughed as she revealed that initially, she thought it was a joke, taking some time to fully grasp the significance of the news.

Hargitay’s extensive history on the red carpet is marked by several memorable fashion moments, showcasing her evolving style through the years. Before stepping into the role that made her a household name, Hargitay appeared as Detective Nina Echeverria in the short-lived NBC series “Prince Street,” where she was often seen in a casual yet stylish manner.

In the early days of her career, Hargitay made a notable appearance at a silent auction in October 1999, donning a classy light blue tank top paired with dark jeans. This look reflected a mix of elegance and simplicity, a theme that would often characterise her red carpet choices.

Fast forward to the 2000 Golden Globe Awards, where Hargitay wowed audiences in a shiny dark grey gown complemented by a chic black shawl and a sophisticated smokey eye look. This appearance not only highlighted her striking beauty but also her place as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

The year 2000 also saw her fashion sense evolving further at the “Coyote Ugly” premiere, where she sported a sparkly top and a pixie cut that encapsulated the glam of the early 2000s. The actress continued experimenting with her look, transforming from brunette to blonde for the premiere of “Lisa Picard Is Famous” in 2001, showcasing her daring personality.

At the 2003 “Share the Beat” event, Hargitay radiated elegance in a white dress featuring a plunging neckline, drawing attention not only for her fashion choices but also for her advocacy work, raising awareness for organ donation. This commitment to important causes often spills over into her public persona, illustrating her desire to use fame for positive change.

Throughout her journey, Hargitay’s style has remained adaptable, from wearing a casual green ensemble at a Nintendo Gamecube launch party in 2001 to exuding glamour at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2006, where she graced the carpet in an angelically beautiful floor-length white dress.

As Hargitay prepares to host the Emmys in 2026, fans and followers have the opportunity to celebrate her illustrious career and incredible contributions to both the television landscape and the many causes she champions. Her journey from a breakout star to an emblem of resilience and empowerment continues to inspire many, turning her red carpet moments into lasting memories that define her multifaceted artistic expression.