Mariska Hargitay stole the spotlight at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
The 62-year-old “Law & Order: SVU” star took home two awards for “My Mom Jayne,” the documentary she directed about her late mother, Jayne Mansfield.
Hargitay turned heads in a striking red strapless gown as she posed on the red carpet, proudly holding her Emmys. The actress was also supported by her husband, Peter Hermann, during the event.
Mariska Hargitay Wins 2 Emmys
Hargitay, who will host the Primetime Emmys on September 14, won Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for “My Mom Jayne.” She also earned the Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program award.
The wins came during the first night of the 78th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday. The ceremony continues on Sunday at the Peacock Theater, ahead of the televised Primetime Emmys, airing on NBC and Peacock.
During her acceptance speech, Hargitay gave a special shout-out to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.
“My hero and friend Gloria Steinem recently said, ‘Please tell your own story,'” Hargitay shared, per Deadline. “The most important thing we can do for each other is to know each other through stories. I got to know my mother through telling the story. It’s a gift that’s indescribable.”
Hargitay added, “I’m utterly overwhelmed. I just wanted to share with you that it took me a while when I decided to make this film during the pandemic. It took me a while to realize that this was my story to tell. I could direct it.”
Mariska Hargitay Embraces ‘a Year of Firsts’
GettyBackstage, Hargitay shared why the Emmy wins held such deep meaning for her after directing the documentary about her mother.
“It feels extraordinarily new, and it’s deeply meaningful for me to have gone into a completely different arena, and to be recognized like this is really beyond my wildest dreams,” she said, per The Hollywood Reporter.
“My Mom Jayne” explores the life and legacy of Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, who tragically passed away in a car accident when Hargitay was only three years old, per an IMDB synopsis.
GettyAdditionally, Hargitay spoke about reaching a point in her career where she felt ready for everything. “I just say yes,” the actress shared. “I said yes to Broadway, and I said yes to hosting the Emmys — when they called me, I thought it was a joke, and then I went, ‘Why not?'”
Hargitay added, “It’s a year of firsts and a year of saying yes and not limiting myself or not being governed by fear. Like, what would I do if I wasn’t afraid? What if it all works out?” she continued. “I’m in that place right now of going, ‘I’ll figure it out.’ I’m really happy right now.”
