Nicole Kidman was told to ‘zip it’ on Tuesday when she playfully interrupted the opening monologue during the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay told the Aussie actress, 59, to be quiet during a light-hearted moment between the pair at the annual TV awards.
The scripted moment occurred when, during the Emmys opening monologue, Mariska, 62, performed a parody of Nicole’s iconic advert for US cinema chain AMC.
She gave a dramatic speech about the power of television, copying the overly serious lines Nicole performed in her famous 2021 promotional video, which was part of a national campaign to get people to attend the cinemas after Covid lockdowns.
‘Images on the silver screen. Sound that I can feel,’ Mariska said, pretending to get choked up.
Nicole, who sat in the front row, quickly interrupted, saying: ‘No, Mariska, come on. That’s mine. That’s my bit. You can’t do that.’
Nicole Kidman, 59, was told to ‘zip it’ on Tuesday when she playfully interrupted the opening monologue during the 2026 Emmy Awards
‘What? No, no Nicole, I’m not,’ Mariska responded as the crowd erupted into laughter over the bit.
Mariska then attempted to continue, saying: ‘Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.’
But Nicole interrupted again: ‘No, come on. That’s my line. That’s actually my line.’
‘Zip it movie lady, it’s TV’s time tonight!’ Mariska hit back.
It comes as Mariska drew backlash online for her ‘cringe’ opening number at the 2026 Primetime Emmys as fans slammed the Law & Order: SVU star for kicking off the show on a less-than-impressive note.
The US actress sang a remixed rendition of I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll as a number of celebrities like Jalen Brunson, Jennifer Coolidge and Guy Fieri made cameos.
Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay, 62, told the Aussie actress to be quiet during a light-hearted moment between the pair at the annual TV awards
TV fans rushed online to slam the star’s opener, with one declaring, ‘#emmys the opening by Mariska, so cringe what,’ and another adding: ‘It’s giving “your mom does stand up”.’
One Emmys viewer went as far as to describe the song as ‘genuinely agonising’ as Mariska finished the number on stage at the Peacock theater surrounded by dancers dressed as televisions.
Earlier in the evening, stars hit the red carpet as television’s biggest programs are honoured.
Nicole exuded timeless elegance in a white Chanel dress with a plush feather trim across the bust.
Zendaya graced the carpet in a floor-length silver gown and donned her shortest haircut to date as comedian Meg Stalter sent shockwaves through the crowd in a bizarre gold Emmys statue costume.
HBO Max’s The Pitt and Hacks are expected to sweep the evening’s biggest awards after seeing record-breaking nominations earlier in the year.
An emotional in memoriam segment will honour beloved stars who have passed this year including Dolly Parton, Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek.
Nicole exuded timeless elegance in a white Chanel dress with a plush feather trim across the bust as she walked the red carpet earlier in the evening