Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards

Earlier today, the Television Academy announced that actress Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th annual Emmy Awards, which will take place on Monday, September 14 at 8pm ET/5pm PT. NBC will air the awards show celebrating the best in television.

Hargitay is the first woman to host the show in fifteen years, the last being Jane Lynch in 2011 when the Emmys aired on Fox. In a statement, the actress said the following:

“Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. 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.

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. Regardless of how, where or when we watch, we are together in our laughter, our tears, our love of stories — and our delighted anticipation to see what happens next.”

Jean Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events & Specials, NBC & Peacock, had this to say:

“Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons. Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has. For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV. As NBC celebrates 100 years of unforgettable storytelling, we can’t think of anyone more fitting to help celebrate the incredible legacy of television.”

Finally, Television Academy chair Chris Abrego said the following:

“Mariska is one of television’s most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity and extraordinary connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in culture. We’re so delighted to have her join us as the host of this year’s Emmys telecast and know that she will create an unforgettable evening honoring the very best of television.”

Nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards will be announced by the Television Academy on Wednesday, July 8, streaming live at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT on Emmys.com.

Source: Emmys