> At a Glance
> – Jimmy Kimmel won Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
> – The victory comes three months after his six-day suspension over Trump remarks
> – Kimmel thanked President Trump by name in his acceptance speech
> – Why it matters: The win signals Hollywood support amid political pressure
Jimmy Kimmel’s Best Talk Show victory at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards caps a turbulent year for the late-night host. The Jan. 4 win marks his second-ever trophy from the Critics Choice Association.
The Suspension That Nearly Ended The Show
Kimmel described the September suspension as “almost a near-death experience,” comparing it to watching his own funeral. The six-day hiatus followed comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s death that sparked White House backlash.
The show returned Sept. 23, but Trump continued demanding its cancellation. Kimmel told reporters the public reaction was “desperate,” adding: “When they come after the comedians, this is when we draw the line.”
The Thank You That Stole The Show
During his acceptance speech, Kimmel couldn’t resist targeting his chief critic:
> “Most of all, I wanna thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we would be going home empty-handed tonight.”
He also praised industry allies who supported the show during its crisis:
- Writers and actors who stepped forward
- Union members in the audience
- Producers who reminded everyone free speech isn’t guaranteed
Christmas Day Bombshell
Kimmel escalated the feud on Channel 4’s “Alternative Christmas Message,” claiming Trump wanted him silenced because he doesn’t “adore him.” He alleged the American government threatened both him and ABC, forcing the temporary shutdown.
“We won, the President lost and now I’m back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved bollocking,” he declared.
Key Takeaways
- Kimmel’s Critics Choice win comes after surviving Trump-driven suspension
- The host thanked Trump sarcastically while praising industry supporters
- He claims government pressure caused the six-day shutdown
- Kimmel promises continued criticism of the president on future shows
The victory positions Kimmel as a symbol of Hollywood resistance to political pressure on entertainment figures.
