Tonight, fans will see 2026 Emmys host Mariska Hargitay team up with New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson at the ceremony with a unique twist.
Variety reports that Brunson will join the Emmys, however; his contribution will be pre-taped. The outlet stated that he would be seen âÂÂat the very start of the show as part of a pre-taped number.â His cameo will segue into Hargitay's opening monologue.
This collaboration should come as no surprise. Hargitay is a longtime Knicks superfan, and she has a close bond with Brunson, whom she has recruited to appear in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
The 2026 Emmys will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The Pitt leads the nominees with 25 total nominations.
Knicks' Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay's friendship
Brunson and Hargitay share a close bond. The Knicks' captain then supported the Law & Order actress when she starred in a Broadway production of Every Brilliant Thing.
Of course, Hargitay also supported the Knicks throughout their playoff run. She was seen sitting courtside at some of the games at Madison Square Garden. Most notably, she was sitting with Taylor Swift and the Haim sisters during the Knicks' exciting Game 4 comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Hargitay hosts the Emmys after winning several for her role in Law & Order. She has been the star of the show since 1999, playing Olivia Benson.
Brunson, meanwhile, has had quite a summer. He led the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years. Brunson was named NBA Finals MVP for his efforts, averaging 32.6 points per game in the five-game series.
His performance in Game 5 sealed the deal for the Knicks. He scored a series-high 45 points, leaving no doubt that the Knicks were going to put the Spurs away. Now, Brunson enters his fifth season with the Knicks as a champion.