The Television Academy and NBC announced Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards, marking the first time a woman has taken the hosting reins in 15 years since Jane Lynch in 2011. The Law & Order: SVU star and executive producer, who has anchored the longest-running primetime live-action drama series for 27 seasons, represents merely the fourth female host to take on the role this century.

Hargitay brings substantial Emmy pedigree to the role, having won outstanding lead actress in drama in 2006 and receiving eight consecutive nominations between 2004 and 2011. Her selection represents a notable shift from recent Emmy hosting patterns, which have predominantly featured stand-up comedians and late-night television hosts, instead choosing an accomplished dramatic performer whose character has become deeply embedded in television culture.