Mariska Hargitay wins big at Creative Arts Emmys for emotional tribute to late mother Jayne Mansfield
By Trizer Lijondo, September 7, 2026Mariska Hargitay has added another major achievement to her celebrated career after winning two awards at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for her documentary ‘My Mom Jayne’.
The actress-turned-filmmaker was honoured with the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program awards for the project, which marks her directorial debut.
The emotional documentary tells the story of Hargitay’s late mother, Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield, offering a personal look into the life of the iconic star beyond the headlines and public image that surrounded her.
A daughter’s tribute to a Hollywood legend
“My Mom Jayne” explores Mansfield’s life, career and legacy through the eyes of her daughter, who was only three years old when her mother died in a tragic car accident in 1967.
For years, Jayne Mansfield was remembered as one of Hollywood’s biggest blonde bombshells, known for her glamorous image and successful acting career. However, through the documentary, Hargitay sought to show a different side of her mother , as a loving parent, a complex woman and someone whose story was often overshadowed by fame.
The film features personal memories, family moments and rare footage that reveal the bond between mother and daughter, while allowing Hargitay to reconnect with a part of her past that was shaped by loss.
A new chapter behind the camera
Best known for her long-running role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” Hargitay has built a successful career as an actress, producer and advocate. Her Emmy wins now highlight her talents beyond acting, recognising her ability to tell meaningful real-life stories.
The awards marked a special moment for Hargitay, who stepped behind the camera to direct a project that was deeply personal. The documentary not only celebrates Mansfield’s legacy but also reflects Hargitay’s journey of understanding her mother’s life and preserving her memory for future generations.
Honouring family, love and legacy
The Creative Arts Emmy victories represent more than professional recognition for Hargitay. They celebrate a heartfelt tribute to a mother she lost too soon and a story she felt needed to be shared.
Through “My Mom Jayne,” Hargitay has helped audiences see Jayne Mansfield in a new light , not only as a Hollywood icon, but as a woman, a mother and a lasting influence on her daughter’s life. The double Emmy win marks a powerful beginning to Hargitay’s journey as a documentary filmmaker.