Mariska Hargitay playfully clashes with Nicole Kidman while recreating viral AMC ad at 78th Emmys

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mariska Hargitay opened the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, September 14, with a playful musical performance and a humorous exchange with Nicole Kidman.

The hosting gig marked a major career milestone for Hargitay, making her the first woman to host the Emmys since Jane Lynch in 2011, while longtime friend Jalen Brunson also joined her for the opening act.

Mariska Hargitay trades jokes with Nicole Kidman while hosting the Emmys

Hargitay kicked off the 2026 Emmys with a parody of 'I Love Rock ’n’ Roll', changing the lyrics to “I love TV screens” and receiving help from New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The opening began with her singing on a packed plane while catching up on the latest shows before she eventually arrived at the Peacock Theater.

There, she performed a choreographed dance routine before moving into the non-singing portion of her opening remarks. During the monologue, Hargitay playfully referenced Kidman’s now-iconic AMC Theatres advertisement.

She recited part of the memorable ad, saying, “At the end of the day, we come to TV for magic, to laugh, to cry, to care, because we need that. All of us. That indescribable feeling that we get when the lights begin to dim. Dazzling images on the silver screen. Sound that I can feel.”

Kidman then jokingly interrupted from the audience, telling Hargitay, “No, Mariska. C’mon ... That’s my bit. You can’t do that.” Hargitay continued, replying, “No. No, Nicole, I’m not ... Somehow heartbreak feels good in a place like this.”

Kidman again told her, “That’s my line,” before Hargitay closed the exchange by saying, “Zip it, movie lady, it’s TV’s turn tonight.” She also joked about being the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years, saying she was “incredibly proud” of the achievement.

The star quipped that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey had said no for 15 straight years before joking about the pressure of hosting. She then referenced the many familiar faces she had arrested on ''Law & Order: SVU', including Martin Short, before shouting out creator Dick Wolf.

Mariska Hargitay celebrates Emmy milestone

Brunson’s appearance during the opening act reflected his friendship with Hargitay, as the NBA star led the New York Knicks to their first NBA Finals victory in 53 years in June, while Hargitay attended multiple games at Madison Square Garden and sent him a congratulatory text during their Finals run.

Ahead of the ceremony, Hargitay said hosting the Emmys was an honor and described bringing important stories into the light as “the heartbeat” of her career. She said she was proud to celebrate the community of storytellers, including actors, directors, costumers and sound designers, who help create television that brings people together.

The hosting achievement came shortly after Hargitay won two Emmys for 'My Mom Jayne', the documentary she directed.

The HBO documentary won Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program at the Creative Arts Emmys on September 5. 

Throughout her career, Hargitay has received eight nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Olivia Benson on 'Law & Order: SVU'. She previously won the award in 2006.