Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Primetime Emmy Awards

Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy-winning star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," will host the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards this September. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 7, by NBC and the Television Academy.

The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 14, and will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. The choice marks a departure from recent tradition, as Hargitay will be the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, since Jane Lynch in 2011, and the first non-comedian or non-comedic actor to emcee since Angela Lansbury hosted in 1993.

In a statement, Hargitay said it was her great honor to host the ceremony, particularly in the 100th anniversary year of NBC, the network she has called home for 27 seasons. "Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career," she said. "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."

Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego called Hargitay "one of television's most beloved stars" and said her talent and connection with audiences would create an unforgettable evening. An NBC...