Mariska Hargitay commanded the stage as the host of the 2026 Emmy Awards, marking her debut in the role with a remarkable twelve outfit changes and a series of dynamic hairstyles. The veteran actress, known for her role as Olivia Benson, traded her on-screen persona for a night of glamour and high fashion, showcasing a diverse wardrobe from the red carpet to the final moments of the ceremony.
Hargitay, 62, arrived at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles alongside her 15-year-old daughter, Amaya. The pair made a coordinated entrance in matching custom red sequined Monse gowns featuring sparkling fringed hems, complemented by strappy red heels. This initial look served as a poignant tribute to Hargitay's late mother, Jayne Mansfield, referencing a similar ruby red gown Mansfield wore in the 1956 film "The Girl Can’t Help It."
For the red carpet, hairstylist Adir Abergel enhanced Hargitay's signature brunette bob with extensions, crafting soft, center-parted waves. "I wanted the hair to feel glamorous without feeling too ‘done,’" Abergel told Allure. "We were looking at that early-2000s undone texture — lots of shine, soft cascading waves, and this really natural volume."
As the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, Hargitay opened the show in a white Sophie Couture strapless gown. The ensemble featured a paillette bodice and sequin skirt, setting the tone for the evening's glittering fashion. Her opening monologue included a playful spoof of Nicole Kidman’s viral AMC Theatres advertisement, quipping, "Zip it, movie lady! It’s TV’s turn tonight."
Throughout the broadcast, Hargitay’s stylist, Erin Walsh, orchestrated a rapid succession of costume changes. Notable ensembles included a black strapless gown with a pointed bodice and gold waist detail, a black sequined dress with silver straps, and a striking ivory three-piece suit adorned with a bedazzled brooch that matched her microphone.
Three distinct looks were provided by Syrian-American couturier Yara Shoemaker: a black ruched-bodice gown paired with opera-length leather gloves, a blush pink column dress accented by a glittering neckline and straps, and a pearl-embellished gown featuring a black off-the-shoulder sash.
Hargitay also embraced theatricality with a "Game of Thrones"-inspired segment, appearing in a voluminous fur cape and wielding a large sword. For this bit, her hair was transformed into a long, pinned-back style. Abergel described this wig as "a little love letter to Jayne Mansfield," referencing the late actress's iconic mid-century Hollywood aesthetic.
As the ceremony progressed, Hargitay’s hairstyles continued to evolve. A switch to a longer wig with bombshell waves preceded a return to a chin-length bob. This bob was styled in various ways: center-parted, swept into a deep side part, and later gelled straight with flipped-out ends.
Her later outfits included a shimmering silver Dolce & Gabbana gown with a sheer tulle rhinestone overlay and crystal embellishments around the bust and waist. Offering a change of pace, she also wore a sleek, form-fitting black-and-white tank dress.
The evening concluded with Hargitay in a final Dolce & Gabbana creation: a silver sequined gown with black spaghetti straps and a subtle cutout below the bust. This look signaled the broadcast's end, as she introduced the iconic "Law & Order" "dun dun" sound effect.
Hargitay expressed her enthusiasm for the hosting opportunity, telling Today that it allowed her to explore a different facet of her performance abilities. She described the role as an "extraordinary opportunity" and a chance to be "part of something so historic."
This hosting gig followed Hargitay's recent success at the Creative Arts Emmys, where she received two awards for her directorial debut, "My Mom Jayne," a documentary about her mother. Her previous Emmy win was in 2006 for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her enduring role in "Law & Order: SVU," a series she has been a part of since 1999.