Mariska Hargitay, the celebrated star of *Law & Order: SVU*, is set to host the 2026 Emmy Awards, which will take place on 14 September. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Hargitay shared her thoughts and feelings as she prepares for one of television’s most anticipated nights.
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The actress, who has recently taken home two Emmys for her documentary *My Mom Jayne* at the Creative Arts Emmys on 5 September, expressed a mix of excitement and nerves about her forthcoming hosting duties. “Jitters are good. They mean you care,” she stated, while also playfully downplaying her pre-show anxieties. “See how I’m in denial about the pre-show jitters?” she joked.
Hargitay received the news that she would be hosting the event during a call from Pearlena Igbokwe, the head of NBC. Initially, she was uncertain about the proposition, and thought, “Oh, I should answer this. Am I getting fired?” Reflecting on the moment during her appearance on *Today*, she admitted, “At first, I thought she was kidding. It took me a while to process it.”
In a candid conversation with Savannah Guthrie, Hargitay revealed her apprehension about hosting such a significant event, stating, “I’m not a comedian, and it’s historically comedians,” which made her feel ill-prepared. However, after contemplating the opportunity over the weekend, she decided to embrace the challenge, saying, “Why not?” This kind of enthusiasm marks a shift in her perspective about taking risks in her career.
As the hosting date approaches, Hargitay is engaged in different preparations. While she acknowledges the high-pressure environment, she remains focused on enjoying the experience. “I had to take an Academy of Arts and Sciences oath that I won’t reveal details. It was a whole thing,” she teased, before assuring fans she’ll bring passion and excitement to the stage.
When questioned about her hosting strategy, Hargitay quipped about how many outfit changes are customary for hosts, hinting at a playful approach to her presentation, even while acknowledging some practical concerns. “That depends. How many tux changes did the guys who hosted do?” she remarked with light-heartedness.
Reflecting on how her documentary has fared during award season, she shared profound sentiments about her personal connection to the project. “More extraordinary than I have the words to express,” Hargitay explained. The film, centring on her mother, has renewed her appreciation for storytelling in her career. This sentiment was compounded by the joy of receiving nominations and winning. She illuminated her emotional journey when learning about the nominations, saying it elicited a comforting closeness to her late mother.
As Hargitay prepares for the show, she is keen to celebrate the collective achievements of her colleagues and the film industry. Post-Emmy festivities will likely include a jubilant gathering of friends and colleagues, with Hargitay humorously noting that she plans to “get surgically removed from my shapewear so I can crash into bed and watch TV,” a comment that resonates with the relatable desire for relaxation after a big event.
As the big night approaches, anticipation is building not only for Hargitay’s hosting debut but also for the celebration of extraordinary talents in the television industry. The 78th Emmy Awards will air live on 14 September at 8 p.m. ET, available on NBC and Peacock, while *My Mom Jayne* can be streamed on HBO Max.
Fans are eager to see how Hargitay embraces her hosting role, hoping to showcase her charm and capacity to connect deeply with audiences. As she reconciles the excitement and nerves of the occasion, it is clear that her commitment to storytelling and heartfelt connection will resonate throughout the night.