Mariska Hargitay wins two Emmys and pays tribute to Gloria Steinem

Mariska Hargitay claimed two prestigious prizes at the Creative Arts Emmys for her deeply personal documentary project. The veteran actress earned trophies for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for her work on «My Mom Jayne».

The HBO film explores the complex life and career of her late mother, the iconic 1950s Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield. Mansfield tragically died in a fatal car crash in 1967 when Hargitay was just three years old.

Accepting her awards, Hargitay delivered an emotional speech honouring the trailblazing feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem, who died earlier in the week at the age of 92.

«My hero and friend Gloria Steinem recently said, ‘Please tell your own story,'» Hargitay told the audience. «The most important thing we can do for each other is to know each other through stories. I got to know my mother through telling the story. It’s a gift that’s indescribable».

Empowering female creators

Hargitay used her second trip to the stage to expand on Steinem’s enduring message and issue a direct call to action.

«I just want that invitation to go out, especially to women,» she said. «I’m so excited to explore and discover and innovate new ways of telling stories from half of the earth’s population because we don’t hear from you enough. I can’t wait to get to know you».

The documentary project represents a significant creative departure for the star, who initially began developing the film during the global pandemic. Directing the feature allowed her to investigate long-held family secrets and better understand the famous parent she never truly knew.

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Speaking to journalists backstage, Hargitay reflected on her current career momentum and her newfound willingness to embrace fresh professional challenges.

«Dreaming is actually part of planning,» she explained. «I’m at a place in my life where I just say yes, I said yes to Broadway, and I said yes to hosting the Emmys».

She added that event organisers initially thought she was joking when they offered her the high-profile hosting gig.

«It’s a year of firsts and a year of saying yes,» she concluded.

This recent television success marks a remarkably busy period for the performer. Alongside her forthcoming duties as host of the main Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast, she recently made her Broadway debut in the play «Every Brilliant Thing». Furthermore, she is preparing to film her 28th season starring in the long-running crime drama «Law & Order: SVU».