The Television Academy and NBC have selected Mariska Hargitay to host the 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony, airing live from Los Angeles on September 8. The announcement comes as the network marks its centennial, with the broadcast streaming on Peacock alongside traditional television coverage. Hargitay's selection represents a departure in Emmy hosting tradition, as she is the first non-comedian or comedy-focused performer chosen since 1993.

Hargitay brings substantial credentials to the role: her 27-season run as Captain Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: SVU has made her an Emmy winner with eight additional nominations, alongside her work as executive producer and director on the programme. Beyond acting, she has established the Joyful Heart Foundation supporting survivors of violence, produced an Emmy-winning documentary, and recently completed her Broadway debut in an interactive solo production. The Emmy nominations will be announced the day after the luncheon announcement.