'GREAT HONOR'

‘Law and Order’ Star Becomes First Woman to Host Emmys in 15 Years

The country’s favorite detective is taking on another iconic role this fall.

Law and Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay has been announced as the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years. Hargitay, 62, will lead the 78th Emmy Awards, airing on Sept. 14 on NBC, making her the first woman since Jane Lynch hosted in 2011. “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,” Hargitay said in a statement. She is only the fourth woman this century to host the awards ceremony, and she is a surprising pick for the annual event, which typically opts for comedians. “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 culture,” the Television Academy chair Cris Abrego said of hosting. Hargitay won an Outstanding Lead Drama Actress Emmy in 2006 for her long-running Law & Order role and has been nominated another eight times for the honor.