Jimmy Kimmel Wins Big at Critics Choice Awards 2026, Credits Trump for the Victory

He held the trophy, but he gave the credit to the White House. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel took home the prize for Best Talk Show at the Critics Choice Awards. In a speech that blended gratitude with sharp political wit, Kimmel made sure to thank the man who has provided him with endless material: Donald Trump.

Jimmy Kimmel Critics Choice Awards 2026: A Victory for Free Speech

"A FIFA Peace Prize would've been better, but this is nice too," Kimmel joked, referencing the controversial honor recently bestowed upon the U.S. President. He continued by thanking "Donald Jennifer Trump," stating that without the president's daily "ridiculous things," the show's writers would've gone home empty-handed. The jab wasn't just comedy—it was a pointed nod to the political storm that nearly derailed his career in late 2025.

The Suspension That Backfired

The award marks a triumphant comeback for Kimmel following his September 2025 suspension by Disney. The media giant had pulled 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' off the air after Brendan Carr, chair of the FCC, threatened to punish ABC over Kimmel's monologue regarding far-right commentator Charlie Kirk. The move sparked an industry-wide outcry, with peers like Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart rallying behind him.

The suspension lasted less than one week. Upon his return, Kimmel's opening monologue shattered records, becoming the most-watched video on his YouTube channel. During his Critics Choice acceptance, he thanked the unions and fellow performers who reminded the country that "we do not take free speech for granted in this city."