Mariska Hargitay laughs off minor malfunction at Emmys carpet rollout
“Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay teases a potential musical number at the 78th annual Emmy Awards.
The countdown to TV’s biggest night is on, with the 78th Emmy Awards scheduled to take place tonight, Monday, Sept. 14, in Los Angeles.
Nominations for this year’s awards were announced July 8 by actors Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller, along with Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego during a live ceremony.
“The Pitt” led the pack with 25 Primetime Emmy nominations, followed closely by comedy juggernaut “Hacks,” which received 24, positioning star Jean Smart to make Emmy history. Apple TV’s horror comedy “Widow’s Bay” scored the third-highest number of nominations at 19.
There were also plenty of first-time nominations, with several members of “The Pitt” cast earning recognition, as well as “Heated Rivalry” star Connor Storrie for hosting “Saturday Night Live” and “Love Island USA” host Ariana Madix.
The eligibility dates for the 2026 Emmy Awards apply to shows that aired between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Only shows that aired in those 12 months were eligible to be nominated, the Television Academy rules say.
In the lead-up to the big night, here’s what to know about who will be hosting this year’s Emmy Awards.
Who is hosting the Emmys?
NBC has tapped Mariska Hargitay to serve as emcee during TV’s biggest night this year, making her the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years. Jane Lynch was the last woman who hosted for Fox in 2011, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.
“It’s my great honor to host the 78th Emmy Awards – in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC – and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers,” the “SVU” star said in the announcement. “Whether it’s an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer, we are all so privileged to take part in creating television that unites us.”
While Hargitay has kept details of her hosting under wraps, she confirmed to USA TODAY she will be singing and dancing on the Emmys stage.
“Those rumors are true,” Hargitay, who refuses to give “spoilers” on the performance, said. “I’ll never tell you. But it’s going to be more song than dance. I just want to be clear on that.”
Ahead of her hosting gig, the “Law & Order: SUV” star won two Emmys for directing and producing “My Mom Jayne,” the HBO documentary about the complicated legacy of Hargitay’s late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. Hargitay began shooting her film in 2023 while “SVU” was in production. “I don’t even know how I did it,” she said.
What time are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The 2026 Emmy Awards will take place from 8-11 p.m. ET / 5-8 p.m. PT on Monday, Sept. 14, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
How to watch the 2026 Emmy Awards
The Emmy Awards ceremony will air live on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Monday, Sept. 14.
2026 Emmy Awards presenters
NBC has also lined up a star-studded list of presenters for the 78th edition, including:
- Odessa A’zion
- David Boreanaz
- Linda Cardellini
- Macaulay Culkin
- Alan Cumming
- Sally Field
- Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Jon Hamm
- David Harbour
- Marcello Hernández
- Kate Jackson
- Peter Krause
- Cheryl Ladd
- Dan Levy
- Julianna Margulies
- Annie Murphy
- Niecy Nash-Betts
- Keke Palmer
- Amanda Peet
- Amy Poehler
- Florence Pugh
- Rachel Sennott
- Jaclyn Smith
- Zendaya
Contributing: Erin Jensen, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.