Jimmy Kimmel took home the award for Best Talk Show at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 for his ABC talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The host-comedian went on to credit the United States President Donald Trump while delivering his acceptance speech on stage at the Barker Hangar.
The shoutout to the Prez came after Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled off the air temporarily in September, following the controversy over his comment on Charlie Kirk’s death.
Jimmy Kimmel jokingly thanks Donald Trump for helping him win award in acceptance speech
During his acceptance speech at the 2026 Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, Jimmy Kimmel humorously expressed his gratitude to the US President Donald Trump for helping him to win an award for Best Talk Show.
As reported by Page Six, the host-comedian said, “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members.” Kimmel continued, “Many of you who are in this room, who supported us.” He said, “who really stepped forward us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country.”
After that, the host expressed, “Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.” The 58-year-old then went on to jokingly thank President Donald Trump. He said, “And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump.” Kimmel continued, “without whom, we would be going home empty-handed tonight.” He further said, “So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.”
The comedian then explained, “It’s been a banner couple of weeks.” He continued, “And we can’t get wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them.”
Jimmy Kimmel also opened up about his show’s temporary suspension while backstage, per the above-mentioned news outlet. He said, “It was almost a near-death experience for me.” He added, “Of course, not literally, but I did feel like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn watching their own funeral.”
