Mariska Hargitay Named 2026 Emmy Awards Host
Jul 12, 2026
Mariska Hargitay | Source: Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay Stuns at Creative Arts Emmys, Bags Two Awards for Her Documentary ‘My Mom, Jayne’
By
Akhona Zungu
Sep 07, 202609:00 A.M.
The Emmy wins mark a new creative chapter for the veteran actress, who has spent nearly three decades on television. Backstage, she reflected candidly on stepping into unfamiliar territory and embracing it fully.
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Mariska Hargitay is celebrating a major win, and she's doing it in style. On Saturday evening, September 5, the "Law & Order: SVU" alum took home two awards at the Creative Arts Emmys for her 2025 documentary "My Mom, Jayne."
Mariska Hargitay, winner of the Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special award for "My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay" poses during the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
For the occasion, Hargitay stunned in a strapless red gown with subtle vertical pleating running throughout the bodice and skirt. A decorative brooch, designed with an interlocking loop pattern, cinched her waist and lent a metallic accent to the otherwise solid-colored dress.
She completed the look with a layered rhinestone necklace featuring small clusters of red gemstones, while her nails were painted a dark, almost black shade. Her hair was styled in a short, textured bob with soft waves framing her face.
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Mariska Hargitay, winner of the Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special award for "My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay" poses during the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The longtime actress, who is set to host the Emmys in the coming days, had all the support she needed at the ceremony, with husband Peter Hermann by her side. He matched her polished energy in equally sharp evening attire.
Hermann opted for an all-black ensemble consisting of a textured blazer with a subtle houndstooth-style pattern, paired with a black button-down shirt left open at the collar and matching black trousers.
He rounded out the outfit with black velvet loafers, keeping the palette monochromatic from head to toe.
Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay, winner of the Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special award for "My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay" poses during the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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Hermann looked on proudly as his wife claimed wins for Directing a Documentary or Nonfiction Program, as well as for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
The actress now boasts three Emmys total, a milestone that began with her Best Actress win for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 2006.
"It feels extraordinarily new and it's deeply meaningful for me to have gone into a completely different arena, and to be recognized like this is really beyond my wildest dreams," she told reporters backstage, comparing the two new trophies to the one she earned two decades earlier.
Mariska Hargitay, winner of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Law and Order: SVU," poses with her trophy on August 28, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Hargitay also opened up about this particular chapter of her career, one she says is guided by a simple philosophy. "I just say yes. I said yes to Broadway and I said yes to hosting the Emmys — when they called me, I thought it was a joke, and then I went, 'Why not?'" she said.
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"It's a year of firsts and a year of saying yes and not limiting myself or not being governed by fear. Like, what would I do if I wasn't afraid? What if it all works out?" she continued. "I'm in that place right now of going, 'I'll figure it out.' I'm really happy right now."
Mariska Hargitay, winner of the Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special award for "My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay" poses during the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Hargitay also offered a glimpse into her mindset ahead of the main ceremony, admitting, "It's been a big week, this hosting the Emmys is no joke," and revealing that NBC "undersold it" to her, having promised just two days of rehearsal, which turned out to be "a lie."
Still, she expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" writing team on her material, adding, "I just can't believe at this place in my life — my third act is starting and it's pretty awesome."
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