Jimmy Kimmel’s Critics Choice Speech Takes Aim at Trump
Jimmy Kimmel’s acceptance at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 was anything but routine, as he mixed sharp humour and gratitude, with a pointed nod to Donald Trump.
There was little chance of a dull moment at the Critics Choice Awards 2026, especially once Jimmy Kimmel took to the stage to collect the prize for ‘Best Talk Show’. The event, held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, saw a flurry of notable wins, but it was Kimmel’s speech that left the room buzzing.
Timothée Chalamet was recognised as ‘Best Actor’ for his role in Marty Supreme, while Jessie Hamnet secured ‘Best Actress’ for her performance in Hamnet. The film One Battle After Another clinched the top honour, and Paul Thomas Anderson was named ‘Best Director’. Yet, amid the celebration of the year’s cinematic and television achievements, Kimmel’s moment stood out for its blend of wit and candour.
Spotlight on Kimmel: A Year of Highs and Lows
It’s been a turbulent stretch for Kimmel. Back in September, he found himself abruptly off air after remarks about the reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death. That move was met with approval from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for Kimmel’s dismissal by Disney, the parent company of ABC. The ongoing feud between the two has been anything but subtle.
During his acceptance, Kimmel couldn’t resist a jab at his long-time adversary.
“FIFA Peace Prize would have been better, but this is nice too.”
The quip landed with the audience, setting the tone for the rest of his remarks.
Industry Jokes and a Nod to Free Speech
After a quick word of thanks to “our friends at ABC”, Kimmel shifted gears, referencing ChatGPT founder Sam Altman and the recent Disney-OpenAI partnership. He joked that Altman “now owns my voice and face. Please don’t do anything weird with it”. The line drew laughter, but also underscored the changing landscape of entertainment and technology.
He went on to express appreciation for those working behind the scenes, especially during what he described as a “tumultuous year”. Addressing the room, he said,
“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 added,
“Your actions are important, and we appreciate them.”
One Last Word for Trump
Before leaving the stage, Kimmel couldn’t resist one final dig at Trump, thanking him for the endless supply of material for his show.
“Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we would be going home empty handed tonight.”
The audience responded with a mix of laughter and applause, a fitting end to a speech that was as much about resilience as it was about rivalry.
In the ‘Best Talk Show’ category, Kimmel’s programme triumphed over a strong field, 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. It was a night that celebrated not just the winners, but the unpredictable spirit of live television.