Mariska Hargitay Stuns at Cannes 2025: A Night of Glamour, Family, and a Shocking Revelation

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival will forever be remembered as the moment Mariska Hargitay—beloved star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit—merged Hollywood glamour with raw vulnerability. Not only did she captivate audiences with her stunning red carpet appearances, but she also unveiled a deeply personal family secret in her documentary My Mom Jayne, reshaping her public narrative and honoring her late mother, Jayne Mansfield. Here’s a deep dive into this historic moment, blending fashion, legacy, and truth.

Red Carpet Royalty: Mariska’s Cannes Fashion Triumphs

Mariska Hargitay’s red carpet appearances at Cannes were nothing short of iconic, with each ensemble paying homage to her mother’s golden-era Hollywood legacy while asserting her own modern elegance.

1. The Premiere of My Mom Jayne

For the premiere of her documentary, Hargitay chose a striking off-the-shoulder black top paired with a high-waisted sequined red skirt, evoking 1960s glamour. Her accessories—diamond earrings, black opera gloves, and voluminous curls—channeled Jayne Mansfield’s signature style. Fans praised the look as a “dream right out of the 60’s,” perfectly aligning with the film’s theme of honoring her mother’s life .

2. Vie Privée Premiere

Later, she stunned in a one-shoulder black gown adorned with silver and gold beaded embroidery, accented by a 3D shoulder design. Her sleek, middle-parted hairstyle and minimalist jewelry emphasized timeless sophistication. Instagram erupted with comments like “Timeless!! More breathtaking with every look”.

3. amfAR Gala

At the amfAR Gala, Hargitay dazzled in a white form-fitting dress with a jeweled halter neckline and a trailing train. Her hair, styled in a sleek bun, and dramatic makeup showcased her versatility. This look, paired with a silver clutch and diamond earrings, solidified her status as a red carpet chameleon.

Each outfit celebrated her journey of self-discovery, mirroring the emotional layers of her documentary.

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The Bombshell Revelation: A 30-Year Family Secret

While her fashion captivated audiences, it was Hargitay’s emotional revelation about her paternity that dominated headlines. In My Mom Jayne, she disclosed that Mickey Hargitay—the man who raised her—was not her biological father. Instead, her biological father is Nelson Sardelli, a Las Vegas entertainer with whom Jayne Mansfield had a brief relationship in 1963.

Key Details of the Secret

• Discovery in Her 20s: Hargitay learned the truth after seeing a photo of Sardelli, whom she instinctively recognized as her father. “It was like the floor fell out from under me,” she recalled.

• Confrontation with Mickey: When she confronted Mickey, he denied the claim. Out of loyalty, she never brought it up again, calling him “my everything, my idol”.

• Meeting Sardelli: At 30, she introduced herself to Sardelli after his Atlantic City performance. He tearfully admitted, “I’ve been waiting 30 years for this moment.” Hargitay, protective of Mickey, initially told Sardelli, “I don’t need anything from you… I have a dad”.

• Reconciliation: Over time, she forged a bond with Sardelli and her half-sisters, whom she’d kept secret for decades. A private screening of the documentary left them “weeping,” as Hargitay sought to “unburden all of us”.

Why Now?

At 61, Hargitay felt ready to share her truth. “I’m not good with lies,” she stated, framing the documentary as a “love letter” to Mickey, who raised her after Jayne’s tragic death in 1967.

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A Family Affair: Mariska’s Rare Red Carpet Moment

In a rare departure from privacy, Hargitay brought her husband, Peter Hermann, and their three children—August (19), Amaya (14), and Andrew (14)—to the My Mom Jayne premiere. The family’s coordinated outfits and proud poses charmed fans, who flooded Instagram with comments like “Absolutely gorgeous family!”.

Hargitay, who adopted Amaya and Andrew in 2011, has often spoken about the joys of motherhood later in life. “I’m so grateful I’m an older mom… I’ve started to accept and appreciate,” she told People in 2024. Her decision to include her children in this milestone underscored the documentary’s theme of familial love and legacy.

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The Documentary: Healing Through Jayne Mansfield’s Legacy

My Mom Jayne isn’t just a film—it’s a cathartic exploration of identity, loss, and reconciliation.

Unpacking Jayne Mansfield’s Complexity

• Beyond the “Dumb Blonde”: The documentary delves into Jayne’s multifaceted persona. A classically trained violinist and polyglot, she was pressured into adopting a Marilyn Monroe-esque “dumb blonde” image to succeed in Hollywood.

• Tragic Death: Jayne died at 34 in a 1967 car crash, sparing Mariska (then 3) but leaving lifelong scars. “I don’t remember being told my mom died,” Hargitay admits.

• Mickey’s Role: Despite their divorce, Jayne reconciled with Mickey months before Mariska’s birth, trusting him to provide stability. The film highlights his devotion as a single father.

Impact and Reception

The documentary received a standing ovation at Cannes, with critics praising its raw honesty. By intertwining Jayne’s story with her own, Hargitay bridges generational gaps, offering closure for herself and her newly discovered family.

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Mariska’s Legacy: From Olivia Benson to Advocate

Hargitay’s Cannes triumph isn’t just about glamour or family secrets—it’s a testament to her resilience.

• SVU’s Cultural Impact: As Olivia Benson, she’s championed survivors of abuse for 25+ years, mirroring her real-life advocacy through the Joyful Heart Foundation.

• A Voice for Women: Like Nicole Kidman, who pledged at Cannes to “invest in women’s voices,” Hargitay uses her platform to demand better roles for older women and support survivors.

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Conclusion: A Night of Triumph and Truth

Mariska Hargitay’s 2025 Cannes journey was a masterclass in balancing personal revelation with public poise. Through breathtaking fashion, familial unity, and a documentary decades in the making, she honored her mother’s legacy while reclaiming her own narrative. As My Mom Jayne prepares for its HBO Max release on June 27, audiences worldwide await a story of love, loss, and the courage to confront the past.

In her words: “I grew up where I was supposed to… This documentary is a love letter to [Mickey].” And for fans, it’s a reminder that even icons like Hargitay are shaped by the secrets they carry—and the strength it takes to share them.

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