Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a pointed blend of political satire and a defence of fundamental liberties as he accepted the award for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday.
A Victory Speech Laced with Satire and Significance
The ceremony provided a platform for Kimmel to reflect on a turbulent period for his programme. His show was controversially suspended last year following remarks he made in a monologue concerning the alleged assassin of commentator Charlie Kirk. That hiatus, which lasted several days, was notably praised by former President Donald Trump, a frequent target of Kimmel's comedy.
While the suspension was lifted, it sparked significant debate about censorship and the boundaries of expression in the United States. Kimmel directly addressed these concerns from the awards stage.
Gratitude and a Stark Reminder on Free Speech
'Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you in this room, who supported us,' Kimmel stated. 'You really stepped forward with us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country. Your actions are important, and we appreciate them.'
This acknowledgment served as a clear reference to the support he received during the suspension, framing the incident as a broader issue of civil liberties rather than merely a professional setback.
The Return of the Trump Roast
Having set a serious tone, Kimmel swiftly returned to familiar comedic territory. He proceeded to mock Donald Trump, sarcastically thanking the former president for 'all the many ridiculous things you do.'
'And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump,' he continued, employing a classic misnaming jab. 'Without whom we would be going home empty-handed tonight. So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.'
Kimmel concluded by hinting at more commentary to come, stating, 'It's been a banner couple of weeks, and we can't wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them.'
The moment underscored Kimmel's unwavering comedic approach towards Trump, even as his speech highlighted the very real tensions surrounding free speech that his own show had recently navigated.
