Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Mariska Hargitay Mocks Nicole Kidman During Emmy Opening
Mariska Hargitay hosted the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards.
She began with a song called “I Love TV Screens.”
The song was based on “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.”
Some viewers thought the performance felt awkward because it mentioned brands and celebrities.
Hargitay then talked about how television helps people share stories and feelings.
She copied a famous line from Nicole Kidman’s AMC advertisement.
Kidman was sitting in the audience and told Hargitay to stop.
Hargitay jokingly replied that television deserved the spotlight that night.
Mariska Hargitay opened the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards with a musical performance.
She performed “I Love TV Screens,” inspired by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.”
The performance included references to Marriott hotels, Jalen Brunson and Jean Smart.
Hargitay later delivered a sincere speech about television’s power to bring people together.
She then quoted Nicole Kidman’s viral AMC advertisement, prompting a playful exchange between the two stars.
- Who
- Mariska Hargitay hosted the ceremony and Nicole Kidman participated in the onstage exchange.
- What
- Hargitay opened the Emmys with a song and mocked Kidman’s AMC advertisement during her monologue.
- When
- The event was the 2026 ceremony, identified as the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Where
- The exchange took place during the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, with Kidman seated in the audience.
- Why
- Hargitay used Kidman’s advertisement as a comedic reference while emphasizing that television was being celebrated.
- Event
- 78th Primetime Emmy Awards
- Year
- 2026
- Host
- Mariska Hargitay
- Opening song
- “I Love TV Screens”
- Song inspiration
- Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll”
- Referenced advertisement
- Nicole Kidman’s AMC advertisement
- Other references
- Marriott hotels, Jalen Brunson and Jean Smart