It’s hard to believe, but the last time a woman hosted or co-hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards was in 2011. That ceremony was emceed by Jane Lynch, a pop culture celebrity at the time because of “Glee,” and despite the Emmys rotating through four different networks, each with their own slew of talent, it’s been all men since. That will change this September when NBC legend and “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay takes the stage to host the 78th Emmy Awards.
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This will be the first official hosting gig in Hargitay’s career. At least that anyone is publicly aware of.
In a statement, Hargitay remarked, “Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. 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. 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.”
Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events & Specials, NBC & Peacock, noted, “Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons. Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has. For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV. As NBC celebrates 100 years of unforgettable storytelling, we can’t think of anyone more fitting to help celebrate the incredible legacy of television.”
Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego added, “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. 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.”
Hargitay has played Capt. Olivia Benson on “SVU” since 1999, and the NBC staple just wrapped its 27th season. The Dick Wolf-created procedural is the longest-running drama in television history. It will return for a 28th season this fall.
An eight-time Emmy nominee, Hargitay won the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series statue in 2006 for “SVU.” She also won a News and Documentary Emmy in the Best Documentary category as a producer of “I Am Evidence” in 2017. She has also received a Golden Globe and six SAG Actor Awards nominations for her work on “SVU.” Hargitay recently made her Broadway debut during a five-week run replacing Daniel Radcliffe in the acclaimed production of “Every Brilliant Thing.”
Recent Emmy hosts included last year’s disastrous Nate Bargatze telecast, Eugene and Dan Levy, Anthony Anderson, Keenan Thompson, Cedric The Entertainer, Jim Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Michael Che and Colin Jost, among others.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on NBC on Monday, Sept 14 at 8 PM ET, 5 PM PT.
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