All 12 of Mariska Hargitay's dazzling outfits as Emmys' first woman host in 15 years


The Law & Order: SVU actress came in as host of the awards having already won two earlier in the week for My Mom Jayne


© Getty Images
Beatriz Colon
Beatriz ColonNew York WriterNew York
Updated: September 15, 2026

Mariska Hargitay turned television's biggest night in Hollywood into her biggest fashion night.

As host of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, the Law & Order: SVU actress donned a wide variety of looks, though the first may have been the most special.

The Emmy-winning director stepped out on the red carpet in a dazzling sequin red dress, and none other than her 15-year-old daughter Amaya did so with her, wearing a matching dress. They were also accompanied by Mariska's husband Peter Hermann, and their two sons, August, 20, and Andrew, 14.

See all of Mariska's stunning looks below.

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mariska hargitay emmys© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Look 1

Mariska's first look of the night was a glittering red gown, and her daughter had nearly the same one.

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Mariska Hargitay speaks onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 2

Mariska's first look of the night was a glittering red gown, and her daughter had nearly the same one.

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Mariska Hargitay at the 78th Emmy Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 3

Mariska next wore a ruched black gown with gold embellishments.

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Host Mariska Hargitay speaks during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 4

She looked back on her first Emmy win 20 years ago while wearing a pink sequin dress.

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Host Mariska Hargitay speaks during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 5

She next channeled her mom Jayne Mansfield's Hollywood glamor looks with voluptuous waves and another black gown.

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Host Mariska Hargitay speaks during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© WireImage

Look 6

She couldn't help but don a Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon inspired look that she said was "hot as balls."

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Host Mariska Hargitay speaks onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© WireImage

Look 7

Mariska kept the sequins in rotation.

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 Host Mariska Hargitay performs onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© WireImage

Look 8

She turned to a pantsuit for another musical number.

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Host Mariska Hargitay speaks on stage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026© Getty Images

Look 9

Mariska went back to her short hair for her ninth look.

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Mariska Hargitay at the 78th Emmy Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 10

The hair and dress changes didn't stop ten looks in.

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Mariska Hargitay speaks onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Look 11

The outfit changes didn't stop with only minutes left to the ceremony.

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Mariska Hargitay at the 78th Emmy Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.© Getty Images

Look 12

She went back to sequins — and even shorter hair — for her final look of the night.

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