PHOTOSMariska Hargitay & Her 'Law And Order: SVU' Costars Celebrate Record-Breaking 21st Season
Mariska Hargitay and her cast stepped out on Wednesday, September 25, for the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Television Milestone Celebration, where they premiered the NBC show’s 21st season. The stars gathered at New York's famed Paley Center for Media to honor the legal drama's long-running cultural significance.
Mariska, 55, rocked a classy gray plaid suit, a burnt orange purse and black bejeweled sandals for the red carpet. Over the course of the last two decades, the show has won numerous accolades. Mariska solely won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 after being nominated eight times in a row. She also scored the Golden Globe Award in 2005.
Her costar Ice-T stepped out looking fresh with his signature shades, black leather jacket and dark jeans.
Kelli Giddish flashed a smile at the screening as she donned slouchy suede knee high boots and a turtleneck midi dress.
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SVU's Peter Scanavino sported a black blazer, a navy printed button-down and jeans.
The new season is a big milestone for the long-running crime drama as it is the longest running primetime series on TV ever! Mariska has played the famous detective Olivia Benson since the series' inception in 1999. Olivia Benson seemingly has seeped into Mariska's own life, as the character has influenced her greatly over the last 20 years. The mother of three is the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. Her character is also a big fighter for justice for sex crime victims.
When news broke that the show was renewed for another season earlier this year, the cast couldn't contain their excitement. "20 years ago, we started a conversation. We're not finished," Mariska tweeted at the time. "I'm profoundly proud of how far we've come. Prouder still of how far we'll go. We've all broken this ground together." "SVU has been OFFICIALLY picked up for season #21. Making us the longest running drama in Television History! Respect to the man Dick Wolf and all my past and present Cast and Crew! And definitely ALL the fans!" Ice-T wrote.
The historic 21st season of Law and Order: SVU premieres on NBC on September 26 at 10 p.m.
Will you be tuning in to watch the premiere? Sound off in the comments below!
