Mariska Hargitay becomes the first woman in 15 years to host the Emmys, celebrating the milestone alongside her husband and three children.
Mariska Hargitay made television history at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, September 14, becoming the first woman in 15 years to host the prestigious ceremony.
The 62-year-old actress followed in the footsteps of Jane Lynch, who hosted the Emmys in 2011, as she took on the high-profile presenting role.
Hargitay marked the milestone with her family by her side, arriving at the Peacock Theater alongside her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children — daughter Amaya and sons August and Andrew.
Hargitay and daughter share matching red-carpet style
Hargitay stole the spotlight on the red carpet in a striking red sequined gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder strap detailing and a fitted silhouette.
The glamorous ensemble was completed with a dramatic, feather-like cascading train, adding an elegant touch to her appearance.
Her 15-year-old daughter, Amaya, created a memorable mother-daughter moment by wearing an almost identical red outfit.
While Amaya’s gown did not feature the dramatic train, the coordinated looks made the pair stand out on the red carpet.
Peter Hermann and the couple’s sons also embraced a coordinated style, wearing classic black tuxedos for the family appearance.
Major awards season for Mariska Hargitay
Hargitay’s Emmy hosting debut comes during an important awards season for the actress, who recently celebrated two Creative Arts Emmy wins for My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay.
The documentary, which Hargitay wrote and directed, explores the life of her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield.
The project has given Hargitay an opportunity to explore her mother’s legacy while sharing a deeply personal story with audiences.
Beyond her career achievements, Hargitay has frequently spoken about the importance of her family and the role it plays in her life.
During a 2025 appearance on Call Her Daddy, she described her family as her greatest source of fulfilment, praising her husband as her home, supporter and source of laughter while also highlighting his role as a father.
Her appearance at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards therefore became more than a hosting milestone. With her husband and children beside her, Hargitay turned the occasion into a memorable family celebration while making history as the first woman to host the ceremony in more than a decade.