As fans countdown to the biggest night in television, the 2026 Emmy Awards hype continues to grow — in part because of this year’s host.
The Television Academy announced on Tuesday, July 7, that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay will emcee the iconic awards show.
“Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career,” Hargitay, who is entering her 28th season as Detective Olivia Benson, said in a statement at the time. “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.”
The actress continued, “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.”
2026 Award Season Calendar: The Golden Globe Awards, Oscars, Emmys and More
In addition to having a first-time host in Hargitay, the Emmys will feature the first new major prize in nearly 20 years with the Legacy Award.
The Academy previously revealed that the Legacy Award will be “presented to television programs that have made a ‘profound and lasting impact’ on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture and the industry.”
Scroll down for everything to know about the 2026 Emmys:
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Emmys?
Mariska Hargitay was announced as the host of the 78th Annual Emmy Awards on July 7, making her this first emcee not known primarily for comedy since 2008 when the five nominees for Best Reality Host — Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst and Ryan Seacrest — all shared the hosting duties.
“Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons,” executive VP of live events and specials for NBC and Peacock Jen Neal said in a statement. “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.”
Who Are the 2026 Emmys Nominees?
The Television Academy announced the 2026 nominees on July 8, 2026.
Hacks made history by receiving the most nominations for a comedy’s final season with 24 nods. As for drama categories, The Pitt earned the top spot with 25 nominations total.
Other standout nominations included Dancing With the Stars making its long-awaited return to the Outstanding Reality Competition Program for the first time in a decade.
Summer House was also recognized in the Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program category. See a complete list of nominations here.
When and Where Will the 2026 Emmys Take Place?
The annual primetime Emmys will be held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards, meanwhile, will take place on two days, Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, focusing on the behind-the-scenes and technical achievements within the TV industry.
How Can You Watch the 2026 Emmys?
Fans can watch TV’s biggest night live coast-to-coast on NBC and Peacock beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
