Mariska Hargitay opened the 2026 Emmys by hijacking Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC Theaters monologue.
The “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star, 62, became the first woman to host television’s biggest night in 15 years when she took the stage Monday. Her opening number featured a pre-taped video set to a rewritten version of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” with lyrics changed to celebrate the year’s nominees. New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and “White Lotus” favorite Jennifer Coolidge both popped up in cameos during the musical segment.
The sharpest moment arrived when Hargitay launched into her own dramatic recitation mimicking Kidman’s earnest 2021 AMC commercial, complete with swelling orchestral music and a glowing backlight. “At the end of the day, we come to TV for magic — to laugh, to cry, to care,” she told the star-studded crowd at the ceremony.
“Because we need that, all of us,” she continued, her voice cracking with mock emotion. “That indescribable feeling we get when the light begins to dim, dazzling images on the silver screen, sound that I can feel.”
The camera cut to Kidman, 58, in the audience. “Mariska, come on. That’s mine,” the Oscar winner fired back. “That’s my bit, you can’t do that.”
Hargitay didn’t flinch. “Zip it movie lady, it’s TV’s turn tonight,” she cracked, drawing roars from the room.
The exchange capped a monologue packed with self-deprecating jabs. Hargitay joked that she only landed the hosting gig because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler turned it down. She also pretended to struggle pronouncing the word “finale” — a nod to “SVU” never having ended during its record-breaking run.
In a Q&A with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the show, Hargitay revealed her unconventional preparation strategy. “I have not only watched past monologues, I’ve built mine out of everything that killed in the past 78 years,” she said. “It’s been focus-grouped, and it works. Word-for-word, no updates. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
She struck a more sincere note about the honor of hosting. “The night is about celebrating this incredible thing that we’re all so fortunate to be able to do: Tell stories that move people, entertain people, make people laugh and cry and everything in between,” she shared.
“Humor and laughter are deep, vital, indispensable parts of who I am, and I feel very lucky that I have this opportunity to bring all of myself to the party,” she added.
The guest list Monday included Zendaya, Keke Palmer, Jon Hamm and Poehler among the television luminaries. HBO’s medical drama “The Pitt” entered the night as the nomination leader with 25 nods, followed closely by “Hacks” with 24. Apple TV’s horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” earned 19 nominations for its debut season, while “Pluribus” scored 18, “Beef” landed 16 and “DTF St. Louis” picked up 13.
Kidman’s AMC ad first debuted in 2021 as theaters reopened following pandemic closures, featuring the Australian star delivering a reverent monologue about the theatrical experience in a sparkling silver gown. The spot became an unlikely viral phenomenon, spawning endless memes and parodies across social media for its earnest tone and dramatic lighting. Kidman has since filmed updated versions for the theater chain, leaning into the spot’s camp appeal.
“The Pitt,” starring Noah Wyle, Shawn Hatosy and Taylor Dearden, was expected to dominate after winning big at last year’s Emmys and this year’s Golden Globes. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards honored programs that aired between June 1, and May 31.
