Mariska Hargitay Hosts 2026 Emmys with 11 Custom Looks, First Woman in 15 Years

Mariska Hargitay made history by hosting the 2026 Emmy Awards, marking the first time a woman has taken on this role in 15 years. She dazzled in 11 outfits, starting with a sparkling red Monse gown by Fernando Garcia on the red carpet, followed by a strapless silver Sophie Couture gown for her opening monologue, and concluding in a silver sequin Dolce & Gabbana gown. Other ensembles featured a black Yara Shoemaker with leather gloves and a pearly Yara with a dramatic black drape, alongside a costume from Game of Thrones. Stylist Erin Walsh drew inspiration from Old Hollywood and Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay’s daughter, Amaya, 15, wore a matching Monse outfit. Collaborating with Emmy-winning writers from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jesse Collins' production team, Hargitay's monologue included jokes about NBC's centennial and Law & Order, as well as skits featuring Taylor Swift and a musical performance with Andrew Rannells. Jamie Lee Curtis left a note on the mirror that read "HAVE FUN!" After the ceremony, Hargitay returned to New York to film the 600th episode of Law & Order: SVU.