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At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on January 4, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel delivered one of the night’s most talked-about acceptance speeches, not just for winning Best Talk Show for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but for the unexpected way he used the moment to blend gratitude, satire, and political commentary.
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Key Takeaways
- Jimmy Kimmel won Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- His acceptance speech stood out for blending gratitude, humor, and political satire.
- Kimmel made headlines by sarcastically thanking President Donald Trump, saying his actions provide endless material for the show.
- The speech followed a turbulent year for Kimmel, including a brief suspension and public debate over free speech in comedy.
- Kimmel used the moment to acknowledge his team’s support and reflect on the evolving role of late-night television.
The event took place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, where Kimmel’s show competed against fellow late-night favorites including The Daily Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
After taking the stage to accept Best Talk Show, Kimmel didn’t just thank the usual names, critics, production teams, family and colleagues. But he also produced a lengthy handwritten speech that mixed sincerity with his signature wit. He started by playfully acknowledging that his fellow nominees “did not care enough” to attend the ceremony, earning laughter from the audience.
Kimmel also addressed the past year, which he described as a roller-coaster for both him and his show. In 2025, Jimmy Kimmel Live! faced a six-day suspension after controversial remarks he made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. That hiatus sparked a national debate about free speech, censorship and the role of satire in late-night television, discussions Kimmel wove into his remarks.
He spoke openly about the challenges the show endured, calling the experience “almost a near-death experience,” and compared it to watching one’s own funeral, a nod to the emotional roller coaster he went through while off the air. But he also expressed gratitude, emphasizing how the support of his staff, fellow comedians and viewers helped him return stronger.
Then came the moment that instantly dominated headlines: Kimmel’s closing nod to President Donald Trump. But it wasn’t a traditional thank-you. With trademark sarcasm, he addressed the former president as “Donald Jennifer Trump,” joking that without him the show would “be going home empty-handed tonight.” He added with a grin, “So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.”
The applause and laughter that followed reflected the crowd’s awareness of Kimmel’s long-running penchant for mixing comedy with political critique. Over the years, the comedian has repeatedly referenced Trump and his actions on and off the show, blending sharp humor with pointed commentary on current events.
Kimmel’s remarks also referenced recent controversies outside of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, such as when FIFA awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, a moment he playfully alluded to earlier in his speech while ribbing the former president.
The political undercurrent in Kimmel’s acceptance speech wasn’t just an isolated joke. It tapped into broader conversations about freedom of speech and the responsibilities of entertainers in political discourse. In his address, Kimmel thanked the writers, actors and union members who stood with him during the suspension drama, telling them they had reminded the industry not to take free expression for granted.
Backstage after the ceremony, Kimmel expanded on his thoughts about the future of late-night television, saying he believes the format will survive even as it evolves. He credited the genre’s resilience to its adaptability and welcoming of diverse voices, suggesting that even if traditional broadcast formats shift, the core idea of talk shows would remain strong because of their relatability and cost-effectiveness.
Above all, Kimmel’s speech underscored his belief in entertaining while challenging audiences to think, laugh and question, a blend that has defined his career in late night for decades.
If stories that mix culture, commentary, and real human moments resonate with you, explore more thoughtful reads at Simply Wholesome. We bring you meaningful stories that spark reflection, encourage mindful living, and highlight the moments that shape our world.
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