United Kingdom, Sept. 15 -- Mariska Hargitay poked fun at her lengthy stint on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit during her Emmy Awards opening monologue on Monday (14.09.26).

The 62-year-old actress - who has played Olivia Benson on the drama since 1999 - made a number of jokes at her own expense during her first speech, which marked the first female host in 15 years.

Speaking after she was carried onto the stage at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater by a group of dancers with TVs on their heads, she said: "The Emmys are celebrating their 78th year and NBC is celebrating its 100th year and I have been on Law and Order for all of them.

"I'm so incredibly proud to be the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years. Imagine that! For 15 years ...