Late-night king Jimmy Kimmel took home the Best Talk Show award for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on January 4, delivering a speech that blended sharp humor, heartfelt gratitude, and a pointed defense of free speech. The event, held amid Hollywood’s glittering awards season, saw Kimmel use his moment in the spotlight to skewer President Donald Trump while reflecting on a challenging year that nearly derailed his iconic program.
Kimmel’s win comes after a rocky 2025, when ABC temporarily pulled his show off the air following backlash from major affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair. The controversy stemmed from a monologue where Kimmel addressed the alleged shooter linked to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, drawing complaints that tested the boundaries of broadcast content. Celebrities, writers, actors, producers, and union members rallied in support, emphasizing the vital role of free expression in entertainment and society. This outpouring helped secure a new deal with Disney, extending the show through 2027 and allowing Kimmel to return stronger than ever.
In his acceptance speech, Kimmel first thanked those who stood by him during the ordeal. “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” he said. “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.” The remarks underscored the broader implications of censorship in media, especially in an era of heightened political tensions.
But Kimmel saved his zingers for Trump, whom he has frequently targeted in monologues over issues like the president’s response to the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner – whom Trump labeled “deranged” and suggested the killing stemmed from anti-Trump anger. With his trademark wit, Kimmel quipped, “And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom, we would be going home empty-handed tonight. So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day. It’s been a banner couple of weeks, and we can’t wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them.”
The “Donald Jennifer Trump” jab elicited laughs from the audience, playing on Trump’s history of verbal gaffes and mispronunciations. Kimmel’s humor highlighted how the president’s actions provide endless fodder for late-night comedy, turning political absurdity into ratings gold.
This isn’t Kimmel’s first rodeo at awards shows; he’s hosted the Oscars multiple times and remains a staple in late-night TV. The Critics Choice win reaffirms his show’s relevance, blending celebrity interviews, musical performances, and timely satire. As 2026 unfolds, Kimmel’s renewed platform promises more unfiltered commentary, proving that in Hollywood, resilience and a good roast can turn adversity into acclaim.
