Olivia Benson is officially on the case. The Television Academy announced on Tuesday that Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards, set to air live on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. on NBC and streaming on Peacock. It’s the first time that the Emmy-winning Law & Order: SVU star has emceed the annual awards ceremony — she’s also the first female host in 15 years — and she’ll take the stage at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles where comedian Nate Bargatze held court last year.
“Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career,” Hargitay remarked in a statement provided to Gold Derby. “It’s my great honor to host the 78th Emmy Awards — in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC — and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers.”
“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,” she continued. “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.”
“Mariska is one of television’s most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity and extraordinary connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in culture,” observed TV Academy Chair Cris Abrego in a separate statement. “We’re so delighted to have her join us as the host of this year’s Emmys telecast and know that she will create an unforgettable evening honoring the very best of television.”
Nominations for the 2026 Primetime Emmys will be announced on July 8. Here’s everything you need to about the Sept. 14 ceremony.
When are the 2026 Primetime Emmys?
The ceremony will be held on Monday, Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
How to watch
The 78th Emmys will air live coast-to-coast on NBC, and stream live on Peacock.
Who else is involved?
Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay of Jesse Collins Entertainment will executive produce the telecast. Additional presenters and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
