Mariska Hargitay opens Emmys with assists from Jalen Brunson, Nicole Kidman

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Set us as preferred To help kick off the 78th Emmy Awards Monday, Mariska Hargitay tapped a friend who knows something about assists: New York Knicks point guard Jalen Bruson.“It’s just a lot of pressure.

Have you ever felt like you have millions of eyes on you, and it all comes down to one night?” the first-time host asked the NBA champion while steaming her dress.Of course, the clock ran out on their conversation pretty quickly and it was go time for the “Law & Order: SVU” star’s opening number, “I Love TV Screens,” to the tune of “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.”“I am so honored to be your host tonight,” Hargitay said from the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles after she finished off the performance live, with dancers wearing TV sets on their heads.

“The Emmys are celebrating their 78th year, and NBC is celebrating its 100th year.And I have been on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ for all of them.” Television Mariska Hargitay has been a mainstay on television as Capt.

Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Now, she’s taking on TV’s biggest night as host of the 78th Emmy Awards.Hargitay has starred as Olivia Benson on NBC’s flagship procedural for 28 seasons and counting — so of course, she joked about the number of actors in attendance she has arrested on the show during her tenure.And the “SVU” star balanced her sincerity and well-placed zingers to set the tone for the evening.

“I am truly, deeply moved, and so incredibly grateful to be in a room full of people who have dedicated their lives to telling stories,” Hargitay said.“Since the beginning of time, humans have all gathered around the light to tell stories.

Back then, it was the fire in the cave, and now it’s the screen of your choice.But no matter how we watch, and even though we’re worl...