Mariska Hargitay received two Emmy awards at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday. The 62-year-old actress was honored for her documentary film "My Mom Jayne," which explores the life and legacy of her late mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield.
Hargitay won in the categories of Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. "My Mom Jayne" was released on HBO Max in June of the previous year. During her acceptance speech for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Hargitay thanked activist and journalist Gloria Steinem, who passed away on September 2 at the age of 92, for encouraging her to tell her mother's story. "The most important thing we can do for each other is to know each other through stories. I got to know my mother through telling the story. It's a gift that's indescribable," Hargitay stated.
Hargitay also spoke about her experience directing the film, noting that it took time to realize it was her story to tell. She expressed feeling "overwhelmed" and that the recognition in a new arena was "beyond my wildest dreams."
The documentary "My Mom Jayne" has received critical acclaim, holding a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 95% audience score. The film delves into the life of Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car accident at age 34 when Mariska was three years old. Hargitay was born in January 1964 to Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. She later learned in her 20s that her biological father was singer Nelson Sardelli. Hargitay recounted meeting Sardelli at age 30 and her decision to remain loyal to Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her.
Earlier this year, in February, Hargitay also won Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures at the Producers Guild of America Awards.
Looking ahead, Hargitay is set to host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14. She indicated plans to remain active with future projects, including potential films and plays.