Mariska Hargitay delivered an emotional speech at the Creative Arts Emmys while celebrating her directorial debut, My Mom Jayne, and reflecting on the importance of women telling their own stories.
The 62-year-old Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star spoke from the stage at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on Sunday, September 6, saying she felt “utterly overwhelmed” by the moment.
Hargitay explained that it took time for her to recognize that the story of her late mother, actress and 1960s icon Jayne Mansfield, was hers to tell.
“I didn’t think that I could direct it,” she said before referencing a message recently shared by feminist icon Gloria Steinem about the importance of telling your own story.
Steinem, who died at age 92 on September 2, had emphasized that sharing personal stories can be one of the most meaningful things people do for one another.
Hargitay expanded on that message during her acceptance speech, particularly encouraging women to make their voices heard.
“I just want that invitation to go out, especially to women,” she said, adding that she is excited to discover new ways of hearing stories from people whose perspectives have historically received less attention.
She concluded the emotional speech by telling the audience, “I can’t wait to get to know you. Thank you, this is meaningful.”
My Mom Jayne, released in 2025, explores Hargitay’s relationship with her late mother through personal home footage and interviews with Mansfield’s children.
Hargitay was only 3 years old when Mansfield died in a 1967 car crash. The documentary gave the actress an opportunity to revisit her mother’s life and discover connections between them that she had not fully recognized before.
Speaking about the filmmaking experience earlier this year, Hargitay said the project allowed her to see similarities between herself and Mansfield and better understand the qualities she admires in her mother.
For Hargitay, the Emmy recognition marked more than a professional achievement. Her speech turned the moment into a message about family, identity and the importance of finding the courage to tell deeply personal stories.
