Jimmy Kimmel received the Best Talk Series award at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. During his acceptance speech, Kimmel expressed surprise at the win and delivered an extended address.
Kimmel referenced a 'FIFA peace prize,' relating it to an award presented to then-President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center during a World Cup draw. He proceeded to unroll a lengthy written speech, stating he did not anticipate winning. He thanked critics, specifically naming Jeffrey Howard from KCLV-TV in Las Vegas, with whom Kimmel stated he attended high school.
He further acknowledged 'our friends at Disney,' naming CEO Bob Iger and entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden. Kimmel also mentioned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, humorously stating Altman 'now owns my voice and face,' and requesting no 'weird' use of it. These remarks referred to Disney's recent $1 billion investment in OpenAI, which includes a licensing agreement allowing OpenAI's Sora users to create clips featuring characters from the Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises.
Kimmel was nominated alongside 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' 'Late Night With Seth Meyers,' 'The Daily Show,' 'Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,' and YouTube's 'Hot Ones.' He commented that the other nominees, with the exception of 'Hot Ones' host Sean Evans, were not present. Regarding Evans, Kimmel remarked that he might one day be 'the only one left.' This occurs amid ongoing discussions about the future of late-night television, including CBS's cancellation of 'The Late Show,' attributed by the network to financial reasons. Additionally, Donald Trump has publicly criticized Colbert, Kimmel, and Meyers, suggesting their removal from broadcast.
Kimmel's award follows a temporary suspension by ABC. This suspension occurred after comments made by Kimmel regarding an individual referred to as 'Charlie Kirk’s killer,' which resulted in the FCC chair, appointed by then-President Trump, issuing a warning concerning ABC affiliates’ licenses.
Since returning to air, Kimmel and his wife, co-head writer Molly McNearney, have advocated for free speech. Kimmel addressed this topic and Donald Trump during his speech:
- He thanked writers, actors, producers, and union members for supporting them and for highlighting the importance of free speech in the city and country.
- He later thanked 'Donald Jennifer Trump,' stating that without him, they would have been 'empty-handed' that night, and anticipating further material for future broadcasts.