Emmys 2026 Highlights with Mariska Hargitay
The night was all about glamour as Mariska Hargitay stepped out as the host of the Emmys 2026, truly trading her signature Olivia Benson blazers for a dazzling array of outfits—twelve in total, not to mention numerous wig changes throughout the event.
At the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, she shared a special moment with her daughter Amaya, both stunning in custom red sequined gowns from Monse, complete with strappy heels that matched their outfits. It was hard not to notice the homage to Hargitay’s late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, who once wore a similar gown in the 1956 film “The Girl Can’t Help It.”
For her red carpet appearance, stylist Erin Walsh helped Hargitay achieve a glamorous yet laid-back look. Hairstylist Adir Abergel added extensions to her bob, arranging it in soft, flowing waves. “I wanted the hair to feel glamorous without feeling too ‘done’,” he said, aiming for an early-2000s vibe with natural volume.
Kicking off the award show, Hargitay, the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years, wore a stunning white strapless gown adorned with sequins, kicking off her opening monologue with a playful nod to Nicole Kidman’s famous AMC commercial. “Zip it, movie lady! It’s TV’s turn tonight,” she joked as Kidman made an unexpected appearance.
Over the course of the evening, Hargitay’s wardrobe included eye-catching designs. She donned a show-stopping black strapless gown and a sequined black number before switching to a striking ivory three-piece suit with a dazzling brooch that matched her microphone. Three of her standout looks were crafted by Syrian-American designer Yara Shoemaker, including a black gown with opera-length gloves and a pearl-embellished dress.
In an amusing “Game of Thrones” skit, she wielded a huge sword and wore a dramatic fur cape, transforming her hairstyle mid-show to evoke Jayne Mansfield’s classic Hollywood glamour. Abergel referred to this transformation as “a little love letter to Jayne Mansfield.”
As the evening progressed, Hargitay switched up her hairstyle, moving to a chic chin-length bob, which she initially wore center-parted before trying various styles. The sparkling continued with a silver Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a sheer tulle overlay, followed by a sporty black-and-white tank dress that offered a refreshing change of pace.
For the finale, she returned to Dolce & Gabbana, wearing a silver sequined gown with spaghetti straps and a striking cutout. As she wrapped up the show, she drew listeners into the familiar “Law & Order” sound with a playful touch, saying, “There’s only one thing left to do.”
Ahead of the event, Hargitay expressed excitement about hosting, saying it allowed her to showcase a different side of herself. “That’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me come alive,” she remarked, highlighting how hosting gave her an opportunity to engage in a way her role in television typically doesn’t allow.
She called the event an “extraordinary opportunity” and recognized its historical significance. Just a week prior, she had won two Creative Arts Emmys for directing her documentary “My Mom Jayne.” Hargitay’s notable Emmy history includes a previous win for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Law & Order: SVU,” a show she has been part of since 1999.
