Captain Olivia Benson has made no secret of this.
An outfit worn by actress Mariska Hargitay's character on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is now part of the collection at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.
Hargitay and SVU creator and executive producer Dick Wolf presented the donation, which included a blue leather blazer suit and a gold badge, to the Washington, D.C. museum at an event on September 9.
Hargitay wore the costume in season 25, episode 8, “Third Man Syndrome,” which aired in March, the museum announced. press release.
The gift also included the shirt, jeans, belt, boots and earrings she wore in the episode.
“We collect costumes from television and entertainment history because they help us speak to visitors about important series that shaped the national discourse, formed people's identities, and helped us understand the world around us,” museum curator Ryan Lintelman explained in an Instagram video.
“In the case of Law & Order: SVU, there's a lot to say about the justice system, sexual assault, victims and recovery,” he continued. “This show really helps Americans understand that and have more empathy for victims and situations.”
Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, said Hargitay had done “valuable work to combat stigma and advocate for women and all victims of sexual assault” both on and off the screen.
Hargitay's iconic character, which first appeared in 1999, is portrayed as a dedicated NYPD detective who advocates for victims of rape, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking.
She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to fight to end the backlog of untested rape kits in the United States.
“I'm so proud and so honored,” Hargitay, who also produces the show, said in an Instagram video. “Hearing survivor stories is such an important part of the Smithsonian and is a part of American history.”
“Can I touch it? No,” she added, adding that even she had to wear gloves to touch the costume, according to the post.
According to a statement from the museum, “Law & Order: SVU” is the longest-running scripted drama on U.S. primetime television and Benson is the longest-running character in a primetime drama.
The hit show has been nominated for 108 television awards and won 33 awards, including six Emmy Awards and three People's Choice Awards.
The audience was excited to discover the museum's newest exhibit.
“So lovely! I go there all the time! Can't wait to go back,” one filmmaker commented on Instagram.
Others criticized the fashion choice.
“That was the worst. [outfit] “Whatever they could have chosen. How about her iconic black leather jacket,” one fan said.
In addition to Benson's costumes, the National Museum of American History's collection also includes Elisabeth Moss's memorable Offred costume from The Handmaid's Tale, a collection from Mad Men, several costumes from characters in The Big Bang Theory, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and a Mr. Rogers sweater.
