Mariska Hargitay took home the 2022 People’s Choice Award for Drama TV Star of the Year for her role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As always, she delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with her audience, likely bringing tears to many eyes.
“What an unbelievable honor this is,” she began. “I’m honored for several reasons, but chiefly because of the unique and special connection I share with my people, my fans. It’s a deep, intimate, and personal bond because we all carry so much. Thank you for this.”
Hargitay, as Captain Olivia Benson, continued, “I cherish this award immensely because of the two words in its title. These two words encapsulate what makes this life experience so extraordinary: ‘People’ and ‘Choice.’ ‘People’ encompasses everyone from all origins, ethnicities, creeds, genders, and identities, contributing to the glorious mix that is the human race. The second word, ‘Choice,’ is even more vital. I want to celebrate our collective ability and willingness to choose kindness, compassion, and courage, to choose to listen, learn, and build bridges across our differences and divides. This is more important now than ever.”
Truer words have rarely been spoken. Congratulations to Mariska Hargitay!