Mariska Hargitay made Emmy history on September 14 when she became the first woman in 15 years to host the ceremony, following Jane Lynch’s turn in 2011. But before she stepped onto the stage, the Law & Order: SVU star was already drawing attention on the red carpet. Hargitay arrived at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater in a striking fire-red Monse gown covered in shimmering sequins, featuring a sweetheart neckline, one shoulder and a dramatic feathered hem that extended into a train. She paired the look with red heels, simple jewelry and glamorous makeup. The outfit also carried special meaning: it was inspired by the red dress her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, wore in the 1956 film The Girl Can’t Help It. Hargitay’s 15-year-old daughter, Amaya, joined her in a shorter version of the sparkling look, creating a memorable mother-daughter moment.

The family appearance became one of the evening’s sweetest scenes, with Hargitay’s husband, Peter Hermann, and their sons August and Andrew also joining them on the red carpet. While many fans praised the family’s coordinated style and the children’s resemblance to their famous parents, some online commenters questioned whether Amaya’s dress was too mature for her age. Despite the mixed reactions, the evening remained an important milestone for Hargitay. She later described hosting the Emmys while also receiving a nomination as an experience that was difficult to put into words. She recalled initially thinking the hosting offer might be a joke when she received the unexpected call backstage during her play. In the end, she embraced the opportunity, celebrating a night that combined her career, her family and a heartfelt tribute to her mother.