During her opening monologue at the 2026 Emmy Awards, host Mariska Hargitay delivered a playful parody of Nicole Kidman's memorable 2021 AMC Theaters advertisement. Hargitay, the first woman to host the awards show in 15 years, began a dramatic recitation mimicking Kidman's earnest monologue about the "magic" of cinema, complete with a spotlight and dramatic music.
"At the end of the day, we come to TV for magic — to laugh, to cry, to care," Hargitay declared to the audience, before continuing with lines that echoed Kidman's ad, such as "Because we need that, all of us. That indescribable feeling we get when the light begins to dim, dazzling images on the silver screen, sound that I can feel."
The segment drew laughter from the audience, and was soon interrupted by Kidman herself, who was seated in the crowd. "Mariska, come on. That's mine," Kidman playfully called out. "That's my bit, you can't do that."
Hargitay responded with a quick quip, "Zip it movie lady, it's TV's turn tonight," drawing further amusement.
Earlier in the broadcast, a pre-taped video featured Hargitay singing a modified version of Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" with lyrics tailored to honor the year's nominees. The opening also included cameos from New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and actress Jennifer Coolidge.
In a pre-show interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hargitay discussed her approach to hosting and the opening monologue. "I have not only watched past monologues, I’ve built mine out of everything that killed in the past 78 years," she said. "It’s been focus-grouped, and it works. Word-for-word, no updates. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it." She added, "The night is about celebrating this incredible thing that we’re all so fortunate to be able to do: Tell stories that move people, entertain people, make people laugh and cry and everything in between."
The 78th annual Emmy Awards ceremony recognized achievements in television programming from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. HBO's drama "The Pitt" led the nominations with 25, followed by "Hacks" with 24, and Apple TV+'s "Widow's Bay" with 19.