Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel's Critics Choice Awards Speech: A Roast of Donald Trump and a Defense of Free Speech
1/5/2026, 5:57:17 AM
Acceptance and Acknowledgment of Support
On January 4, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel won the Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show, using his acceptance speech to deliver pointed jokes about former President Donald Trump while expressing gratitude to the celebrities and industry workers who supported him during a recent controversy. Kimmel's show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," had been briefly pulled off the air by ABC following complaints from Nexstar and Sinclair regarding a monologue discussing the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk. This decision led to significant backlash from writers, actors, and union members, who rallied in defense of Kimmel and the principle of free speech.
Kimmel thanked those who stood by him, stating, “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members… who stepped forward and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country. Your actions were important, and we appreciate them.” He humorously acknowledged Trump, saying, “And most of all, I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom, we would be going home empty-handed tonight.”
Continued Criticism of Trump
Kimmel's acceptance speech reflected his ongoing criticism of Trump, a frequent target in his monologues. He recently condemned Trump's remarks regarding the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner, labeling them as “hateful and vile” and indicative of a lack of compassion and leadership. Kimmel emphasized the need for common sense in discussions about guns and mental health, which he felt Trump failed to provide.
In a special Christmas Day appearance on Channel 4 in the U.K., Kimmel noted the widespread support he received when his show was taken off the air, stating, “Millions and millions of people stood up… People who never watched my show, people who said they hated my show, spoke out.” He credited this public outcry for the show's return, asserting, “Our show came back stronger than ever.”
Future Plans and Commitment to Satire
With a renewed contract extending "Jimmy Kimmel Live" through 2027, Kimmel made it clear that he has no intention of softening his approach to political satire. He expressed excitement about returning to the air, 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.” Kimmel concluded his speech by reaffirming his commitment to holding powerful figures accountable, declaring, “I’m back on the air every night givin’ the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved bollocking.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members… who stepped forward and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country,” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “Without whom, we would be going home empty-handed tonight.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “What we need at a time like this, besides common sense when it comes to guns and mental health care, is compassion and leadership. We did not get that from our president, because he has none of it to give. Instead, we got a fool rambling about nonsense,” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “on Channel 4, where he remembered how “millions and millions of people stood up” when ABC pulled his show off the air, “and said: ‘No, this is not acceptable’.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “ “We won, the President lost and now I’m back on the air every night givin’ the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved bollocking.” — Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel's Critics Choice Award win and his subsequent remarks underscore his role as a prominent voice in late-night television, particularly in his critiques of political figures and the defense of free speech.
