Mariska Hargitay's Emmy Host Gig: 'At First, I Thought She Was Kidding'

Mariska Hargitay was not immediately on board when she got the call to host the 2026 Emmy Awards. The actress was announced as the host of the 78th annual awards show in July, and she recalled her reaction to the offer on the Today show on Thursday, Aug. 13.

"I was backstage, doing my play, and I got a call. It was Pearlena [Igbokwe], who's head of the network, and I thought, 'Oh, I should answer this. Am I getting fired?' " Hargitay told Savannah Guthrie.

"She asked me about it, and at first, I thought she was kidding. I actually thought she was kidding," the Law & Order: SVU star admitted. "It took me a while to process it."

She said she "couldn't understand" why she had been offered the hosting gig, "because I thought, 'I'm not a comedian, and it's historically comedians.' "

"It was probably the farthest thing from my mind that I thought she was gonna say, so I actually was kind of shocked. But I said, 'Listen, I'm about to go on [stage]. Let me think about it.' "

Her answer was ultimately a yes. "I thought about it over the weekend, and then I started going, 'Why not?' which is where I kind of am in my life," Hargitay told Guthrie of her thought process.

A Groundbreaking Choice

When she was announced as this year's Emmys host, she called the job a "great honor" in a statement, expressing her excitement to "celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers."

"Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career," Hargitay said. "Whether it's an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer, we are all so privileged to take part in creating television that unites us. Regardless of how, where or when we watch, we are together in our laughter, our tears, our love of stories and our delighted anticipation to see what happens next."

Hargitay is the first woman to host the awards show since Jane Lynch in 2011, and she said on Today that she's "incredibly honored" about that. "Knowing [I am] the first woman in 15 years [to host], it was absolutely thrilling," she told Guthrie.

Why Mariska Hargitay?

The choice of Hargitay as host is a notable departure from recent years, which have seen comedians and comedic actors take the stage. Nate Bargatze hosted last year's awards show, and father-son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy hosted the year before. Hargitay, best known for her dramatic role as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, brings a different energy to the role.

But her selection makes sense when considering her deep roots in television and her connection to audiences. Hargitay has been a fixture on the small screen for over two decades, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Her work on SVU has made her a household name, and her advocacy for survivors of sexual assault has cemented her status as a beloved public figure.

In her statement, Hargitay emphasized the importance of storytelling in television. "Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career," she said. Her words reflect not only her professional journey but also her personal commitment to using her platform for meaningful change.

A Night to Remember

The 78th annual Emmy Awards promise to be a celebration of television's best and brightest. With Hargitay at the helm, the ceremony is expected to strike a balance between honoring the industry's achievements and showcasing the actress's warmth and charisma.

While Hargitay may not be a comedian, she has shown a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Her "Why not?" philosophy is a testament to her adventurous spirit, and it's sure to resonate with viewers. As she told Guthrie, "I thought about it over the weekend, and then I started going, 'Why not?' which is where I kind of am in my life."

Her hosting gig also comes at a time when the entertainment industry is undergoing significant change. As streaming platforms continue to dominate and traditional television evolves, the Emmys remain a touchstone for celebrating the art of storytelling. Hargitay's presence at the helm is a reminder of the enduring power of television to connect us all.

The Hosting Lineup

The Emmys have a rich history of memorable hosts, from Johnny Carson to Ellen DeGeneres. Hargitay joins this prestigious list with her own unique flair. While she may not be a comedian, her decades of experience in television and her natural charisma are expected to make for a memorable evening.

Nate Bargatze hosted last year's awards show, and father-son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy hosted the year before. Hargitay's selection marks a notable departure from the recent trend of comedians and comedic actors taking the stage, signaling a willingness to think outside the box.

A Historic Moment

Hargitay's role as host also carries historical significance. As the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, she is part of a broader movement toward greater gender representation in entertainment. Her selection is a step forward, and she has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

"I'm incredibly honored," she told Guthrie. "Knowing [I am] the first woman in 15 years [to host], it was absolutely thrilling."

What to Expect

The Emmys will air live on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. As the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, Hargitay is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the role. While she may not be a comedian by trade, her decades of experience in television and her natural charisma are expected to make for a memorable evening.