Emmy Awards: Mariska Hargitay mocks own career in opening monologue
Mariska Hargitay poked fun at her lengthy stint on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit during her Emmy Awards opening monologue on Monday (14.09.26).
Mariska Hargitay poked fun at her lengthy stint on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit during her Emmy Awards opening monologue on Monday (14.09.26).
The 62-year-old actress - who has played Olivia Benson on the drama since 1999 - made a number of jokes at her own expense during her first speech, which marked the first female host in 15 years.
Speaking after she was carried onto the stage at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater by a group of dancers with TVs on their heads, she said: "The Emmys are celebrating their 78th year and NBC is celebrating its 100th year and I have been on Law and Order for all of them.
"I’m so incredibly proud to be the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years. Imagine that! For 15 years Amy [Poehler] and Tina [Fey] said no.
"It’s a lot of pressure but it is so reassuring to see so many familiar faces out there. I’m just talking about how many I’ve arrested on SVU. You guys have done unspeakable things. I’m talking to you Martin Short. You should be ashamed my friend."
As she celebrated the shows that had come to an end, Mariska jokingly stumbled with the autocue.
She said: “Fee-na-lay? Fin-a-lay? Finale? Am I saying that right.
“I’m sorry guys, it’s just that I’ve never had one!”
Mariska then turned serious as she said: "Just when it appeared Hargitay was getting sincere — “I am truly deeply moved and so incredibly grateful to be in a room full of people who have dedicated their lives to telling stories.
“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.”
As she parodied Nicole Kidman's famous AMC advert, the Big Little Lies star herself interrupted to shout: “Now, Mariska, come on. That’s mine. That’s my bit. You can’t do that.
“That is my line. That is actually my line.”
Mariska quipped: “Zip it, movie lady! It’s TV’s turn tonight!”
Before her monologue, Mariska appeared in a pre-recorded sketch which saw her steam her ball gown next to New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson, snuggling with Jean Smart and enjoying a drink with Jennifer Coolidge.
