Mariska Hargitay is set to take the stage as host of the 78th Emmy Awards, which will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony, scheduled for Monday, 14th September, will commence at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and can also be streamed via Peacock. Hargitay, renowned for her long-standing role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has recently gained more recognition, winning two Emmys for her documentary “My Mom Jayne.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mariska-hargitay-emmys-2026-090926-9f41c6b287fc453baf0cc4c31b9ae91e.jpg)
This year’s Emmy Awards are anticipated to be particularly exciting, as they feature a number of shows vying for top honours. Leading the pack is “The Pitt,” with an impressive 25 nominations in the drama categories, while “Hacks,” concluding its final season, has set a record with 24 nominations in comedy categories.


Prior to the main event, the Creative Arts Emmys were held on 5th and 6th September. Several notable performers took home awards, including Shailene Woodley, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. The late Rob Reiner was also posthumously awarded. Hargitay’s achievement in winning two Emmys bolsters her credentials as a fitting host for the evening.
The Emmy ceremony will highlight a range of categories, showcasing the best in television. In comedy, the contenders for Outstanding Comedy Series include “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “Hacks,” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Various lead and supporting actor and actress nominations have sparked interest, with names like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Steve Carell, and Quinta Brunson taking centre stage.
In the midst of the awards and recognition in the comedy category, the drama section promises a tough competition as well. With the likes of “The Diplomat,” “The Gilded Age,” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” in contention for Outstanding Drama Series, audiences are keen to see which productions will take home the coveted statues.
Furthermore, performances in the limited or anthology series category will not go unnoticed. Audience members can anticipate exciting nominations, with “Beef,” “All Her Fault,” and “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette” leading the charge. Stars such as Riz Ahmed and Claire Danes are nominated for lead performances in this category, contributing to a range of talented actors and high-calibre productions.
Meanwhile, categories for reality television and variety series are set to feature popular names. Prominent shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and “Saturday Night Live” are nominated in their respective sections, indicating a diverse range of entertainment being recognised.
As the event draws closer, anticipation builds amongst fans and industry professionals alike. The complete list of nominees and winners for the various categories will be made available during the broadcast, with updates provided live as the evening progresses. With Hargitay at the helm and a wealth of talent being acknowledged, the 78th Emmy Awards promise to be a truly memorable night for television.
This iconic event celebrates the accomplishments and creativity of the television industry, shining a spotlight on both established stars and new talent. As viewers settle in for a night of entertainment, they can look forward to celebrating the stories told on screen and the artists behind them.
