Mariska Hargitay will host the 78th Emmy Awards, becoming the first woman in 15 years to lead television’s biggest awards show.

NBC announced that the “Law & Order: SVU” star and executive producer will host the ceremony on Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will air live on NBC and Peacock.

Hargitay is the first female Emmy host since Jane Lynch hosted the ceremony in 2011. She is also only the fourth woman to host the awards this century.

Hargitay Reacts to Hosting Role

Reacting to the announcement, Hargitay said, “Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. It’s my great honour to host the 78th Emmy Awards in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers.”

She added: “Whether it’s an actor or a director, a costumer or a sound designer, we are all so privileged to take part in creating television that unites us. Regardless of how, where or when we watch, we are together in our laughter, our tears, our love of stories and our delighted anticipation to see what happens next.”

NBC Explains Choice

Hargitay’s selection differs from recent Emmy hosts, who have mostly been comedians and late-night television personalities.

NBC executive vice president of live events and specials, Jen Neal, said the actress was the ideal choice during the network’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

“Mariska has earned her place among television’s icons,” Neal said.

“Few performers have left the kind of mark on television that Mariska has. For 27 seasons, she has brought strength, compassion and humanity to one of the most beloved characters on TV. As NBC celebrates 100 years of unforgettable storytelling, we can’t think of anyone more fitting to help celebrate the incredible legacy of television.”

Long History With the Emmys

Hargitay is a familiar face at the Emmy Awards. She won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 for “Law & Order: SVU.” She also received eight straight nominations in the category from 2004 to 2011.

Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego praised her appointment.

“Mariska is one of television’s most beloved stars, whose talent, authenticity and extraordinary connection with audiences have made her an enduring force in our industry and in culture.”

Nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards will be announced on July 8. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies will take place on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6