An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mariska Hargitay speaks during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Image 2 shows Nicole Kidman in a striped jacket in a futuristic hallway
TV & Film

Mariska Hargitay Spoofs Nicole Kidman’s AMC Commercial at 2026 Emmys

The 'Law & Order: SVU' legend made history as the first female host in 15 years while parodying the Oscar winner's viral ad.

BUZZBEAT NewsroomSep 15, 20261 min read

Mariska Hargitay took center stage at the 2026 Emmy Awards with a high-profile tribute that had the audience talking. The long-running *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* powerhouse decided to channel another Hollywood heavyweight during television's biggest night, bringing her own cheeky spin to Nicole Kidman’s famous AMC Theatres advertisement. The hilarious tribute saw Hargitay recreating the viral cinema promo that has become a staple of modern moviegoing culture. Dressed for the occasion and reciting dramatic lines about the magic of the screen, Hargitay captured the exact theatrical tone made famous by the Oscar winner's long-running theater pre-show clip. ## Did Mariska Hargitay spoof Nicole Kidman at the Emmys? Kidman herself was right there in the audience to witness the whole thing. The movie star didn't stay quiet during the bit, playfully calling out Hargitay directly from her seat as the spoof unfolded live on air. The playful banter between the prime-time TV icon and the silver-screen legend instantly gave viewers one of the absolute highlight moments of the ceremony. Beyond the jokes, Hargitay’s presence on the stage carried historic significance for the broadcast. The *SVU* lead officially became the first female host of the Emmy Awards in 15 years, breaking a long-standing dry spell for solo female emcees at the prestigious television event. ## Who hosted the 2026 Emmy Awards? Taking on the major gig, Hargitay proved she could command an audience just as easily in a sparkly gown as she does carrying a police badge on network television. Her performance brought huge energy to the room and demonstrated a sharp sense of comedic timing that kept the star-studded crowd entertained. The clever pairing of Hargitay’s hosting milestone and Kidman’s ready-to-laugh reaction made the bit an instant viral hit. By poking fun at an iconic pop-culture commercial while making television history of her own, Hargitay delivered a memorable night for showbiz fans everywhere.

The photos · 8

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mariska Hargitay speaks during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Image 2 shows Nicole Kidman in a striped jacket in a futuristic hallway
Mariska Hargitay and Nicole Kidman in the story: Mariska Hargitay Spoofs Nicole Kidman’s AMC Commercial at 2026 Emmys
She did her own version of the dramatic monologue Kidman recited in the viral ad, with the same bright light and dramatic music the ad uses,
Kidman then playfully interrupted her from the audience, joking that Hargitay can’t steal her bit, to which the “Law& Order: Special Victims Unit” star replied, “Zip it movie lady, it’s TV’s turn tonight.”
Kidman’s ad went viral for the earnest delivery of her monologue about the “magic” of going to the movies.
The ad has been spoofed and memed countless times.
Hargitay’s Emmys opener also included dancers after a pre-taped video of her singing Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” played, which featured her changing the lyrics to pay homage to this year’s nominees.
Hargitay sang, “I love TV screens,” instead of “I love rock ‘n’ roll.”

More like this

Get the pop news brief

One daily email. The biggest celebrity, music and TV stories, no filler.

Reader reaction

Loading comments…

People also ask

Why did Mariska Hargitay spoof Nicole Kidman at the Emmys?
Hargitay performed a comedy tribute to Kidman's famous AMC Theatres commercial during her hosting duties at the 2026 Emmys.
Who was the female host of the 2026 Emmys?
Mariska Hargitay hosted the 2026 Emmys, making history as the first woman to host the event in 15 years.