Explosive Critics Choice Awards Moment: Jimmy Kimmel Slams Late Night TV and Donald Trump in Scathing Speech
At the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t just accept a trophy: he grabbed the room’s attention and refused to let go. His speech, which has since gone viral, mixed jokes, political jabs, and a few targeted shots at his fellow late-night hosts and President Donald Trump. The night’s buzz wasn’t just about winning trophies, but about this outspoken televised moment that quickly went viral.
A Night of Laughs, Applause, and a Viral Speech
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards ceremony took over Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, drawing in Hollywood’s biggest names to celebrate excellence in film and television. But it wasn’t a particular win, or surprise upset that truly stuck— it was Kimmel’s acceptance speech for Best Talk Show. After “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” snagged the coveted award, Kimmel used his stage time to blend the typical awards show gratitude with his sharp humor aimed at national politics — surprising audiences and igniting debate across the internet.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Sharp Turn on the Critics Choice Stage
In an article from People, Kimmel kicked things off in his speech with expected thanks to family, crew, and industry colleagues. “‘Thank you to 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 for us, and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or this country.'” As he accepted the Critics Choice Award, he quipped that his show’s win might not have happened without President Trump, not in support, but in the most Kimmel way possible: with a joke.
“’And most of all, I wanna thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we would be going home empty-handed tonight,’ he said. ‘So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day. 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.'”
His use of the joking nickname “Donald Jennifer Trump” underscored the comedic tone he’s become known for, blending satire with an unmistakable critique of Trump’s public presence and decisions.
Free Speech and Late Night in the Spotlight
His speech wasn’t just a roast. It tapped into a much bigger dialogue about comedy, controversy, and who can say what on television. According to an article from Parade, “This moment referenced a tumultuous time for the late-night host earlier this year, when Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly pulled from the air following a wave of backlash over remarks that were largely criticized and disputed. President Trump publicly praised the ABC network for Kimmel’s indefinite suspension and encouraged the removal of other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.”
That context gave Kimmel’s speech extra weight. He wasn’t just another comedian cracking jokes: his speech was a reminder of how late‑night television has become tangled up in politics, free speech debates, and cultural flashpoints.
The Critics Choice Awards and the Late‑Night Landscape
The Critics Choice Awards celebrated many winners across film and television. But it was Kimmel’s speech that became one of the most shared clips of the night, which is a testament to how late‑night hosts continue to shape public conversation beyond their nightly monologues.
While the awards honored artistry and craft, Kimmel’s remarks served as a reminder of how personalities in the entertainment industry often reflect wider societal debates. His sharp jabs toward President Trump were not isolated: late‑night hosts have increasingly blended political commentary with comedy, a trend that continues to provoke both applause and criticism among viewers and commentators alike.
Reactions and Fallout
The internet reacted instantly. Clips of Kimmel’s speech circulated widely on social media, drawing praise from fans who appreciated his bold humor, while criticism from detractors who saw his commentary as overly political for an entertainment venue. Regardless of viewpoint, the moment amplified the conversation around how politics and pop culture intersect in today’s media landscape.
Analysts have pointed out that Kimmel’s jokes fit into long‑running tensions between late‑night television and political figures — a dynamic that has grown especially pointed in recent years. Whether seen as satire or critique, his remarks at the Critics Choice Awards underscored the role comedians play in shaping cultural commentary.
More Than Just an Award
In a night full of polished speeches and Hollywood celebration, Kimmel’s Critics Choice Awards moment stood out above all else. His speech wasn’t just an entertainer thanking his team: it was a comedian using his platform to poke at the political moment, stir the pot in typical Kimmel fashion, and remind everyone that culture and politics rarely stay in their lanes. Love it or hate it, his speech reminded audiences that even in celebration, culture and politics are often inseparable.
