Kimmel Roasts Trump While Accepting Critics Choice Award
The late-night host delivered pointed jokes about the former president during his acceptance speech for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards ceremony.
Jimmy Kimmel used his Critics Choice Awards victory as an opportunity to mock Donald Trump, accepting the Best Talk Show trophy with a speech that blended appreciation with sharp political humor. The ceremony unfolded at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar, where Timothée Chalamet claimed Best Actor for Marty Supreme and Jessie Hamnet earned Best Actress for Hamnet.
A Night of Major Wins
One Battle After Another secured the Best Picture prize while Paul Thomas Anderson took home Best Director honors. The Critics Choice Awards celebrate both film and television achievements from the past year, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! emerging victorious in the competitive talk show category.
The win comes after a turbulent period for Kimmel. ABC pulled him off the air in September following controversial remarks about reactions to Charlie Kirk's death. Trump celebrated that decision and has repeatedly demanded Disney fire the comedian.
Taking Aim at Political Rivals
Kimmel opened his acceptance speech with a dig at his political nemesis. "FIFA Peace Prize would have been better, but this is nice too," he said. After thanking ABC executives, he shifted focus to ChatGPT's Sam Altman, referencing Disney's recent OpenAI partnership. "He now owns my voice and face. Please don't do anything weird with it."
The host expressed gratitude to his production team "during a tumultuous year" before addressing industry colleagues. "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," Kimmel said. "Your actions are important, and we appreciate them."
Final Jab at Trump
Kimmel saved his biggest punch for last, thanking Trump for providing endless material. "Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we would be going home empty handed tonight," he declared. The comedian beat tough competition including The Daily Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and Hot Ones.