Mariska Hargitay Hosts Emmys: A Historic Female First

Mariska Hargitay is set to host the Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026. This marks a significant moment as it's the first time in 15 years a woman has hosted television's top awards show. Hargitay expressed her surprise and honor at taking on this role, acknowledging the progress still needed for women in similar positions.

During a photoshoot for a Los Angeles Times story, Hargitay requested Taylor Swift's song 'The Man' be played. The song, released in 2019, explores the double standards women face in their careers, particularly within the music industry. Swift, a longtime friend of Hargitay's, has spoken about the song's intent to raise awareness about gender inequality and re-train perceptions.

Hargitay joins an exclusive group as only the fourth woman to solo host the Primetime Emmys. She follows in the footsteps of Angela Lansbury (1993), Ellen DeGeneres (2001 and 2005), and Jane Lynch (2011). Hargitay has been a staple on television for 27 seasons as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.