Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

star Mariska Hargitay was moved to

tears at a Hollywood event, overwhelmed

by the love of her fellow women in entertainment.

She also gave a special shoutout to a fellow honoree, paying her the highest compliment by comparing her to her mother, the late Jayne Mansfield. Here’s what she said.

Mariska Hargitay chokes up during her Variety Power of Women speech
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At the Variety Power of Women luncheon, actress Glenn Close introduced Hargitay so movingly that the mom of three needed a moment to collect herself. At the podium, Hargitay wiped her eyes and asked, “Does anyone have a tissue?” Hargitay continued to the audience, “You understand my predicament,” and then to her friend, “I’m speechless, Glenn. That was the most beautiful and generous introduction I’ve ever heard about anyone, ever.”

Still choked up, Hargitay added, “Sorry, guys, it’s a lot!” and then joked about her continued tissue usage: “Wow, that’s charming.”