Jimmy Kimmel Throws Shade at Trump at Critics Choice 2026
Jimmy Kimmel delivered a cheeky acceptance speech at the Critics Choice Awards 2026, mixing gratitude with sharp jabs at Donald Trump and nods to industry mates.
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica saw a lively crowd and a string of big wins, but it was Jimmy Kimmel’s acceptance for ‘Best Talk Show’ that had punters talking. Kimmel, never one to shy away from a bit of banter, took the opportunity to have a dig at Donald Trump while collecting his trophy for Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Big Night for Film and TV
The night wasn’t short on highlights. Timothée Chalamet nabbed ‘Best Actor’ for his role in Marty Supreme, while Jessie Hamnet was named ‘Best Actress’ for her performance in Hamnet. The top gong for ‘Best Picture’ went to One Battle After Another, and Paul Thomas Anderson walked away with ‘Best Director’ honours. The event, as always, celebrated the best in both film and telly, with Kimmel’s show coming out on top in a tough field.
Kimmel’s Tumultuous Year
It’s been a wild ride for Kimmel over the past year. Back in September, he was pulled off air after making remarks about the reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death—a move that President Donald Trump openly cheered. Trump, never one to hold back, has repeatedly called for Kimmel to be sacked by Disney, the parent company of ABC. So, when Kimmel took the stage, he couldn’t resist a little payback.
He quipped,
‘FIFA Peace Prize would have been better, but this is nice too.’
After a quick thanks to his mates at ABC, Kimmel turned his attention to Sam Altman, the bloke behind ChatGPT, referencing the recent Disney and OpenAI deal. He joked that Altman now owns his voice and face, adding,
‘Please don’t do anything weird with it’.
Shout-Outs and a Final Jab
Kimmel made sure to thank the crew behind the scenes, acknowledging the challenges of the past year. He gave a nod to the writers, actors, producers, and union members in the room, saying,
‘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.’
He added,
‘Your actions are important, and we appreciate them.’
Of course, he couldn’t resist one last crack at Trump, thanking him for the endless material he provides for the show.
‘Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we would be going home empty handed tonight.’
In the ‘Best Talk Show’ category, Kimmel edged out The Daily Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and Hot Ones.