Jimmy Kimmel Expresses Gratitude After Best Talk Show Win Despite Trump’s Criticism
Late-night host opens up on emotional year and public support that helped him through backlash.
India, Dec 05 : Jimmy Kimmel celebrated a major triumph at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, winning Best Talk Show for Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Sunday, January 4, marking his second win in the category. The ceremony, held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, featured stiff competition from top television shows.
For Kimmel, the win carried more than professional pride it came after one of the most challenging years of his career. Speaking backstage, he described the past year as emotionally overwhelming, likening the experience to “witnessing my own funeral,” a period filled with fear, sadness, and disbelief.
The turmoil began in September 2025 when Jimmy Kimmel Live! went off air for six days following backlash over his comments. The show returned on September 23, but criticism continued, including repeated attacks from former US President Donald Trump, who publicly called for the show’s cancellation. The intense scrutiny took a heavy emotional toll on Kimmel and his team.
Despite the pressure, Kimmel said public support made a significant difference. Fans rallied behind the show, affirming the importance of comedy and free speech even amid controversy. “When they come after the comedians, that’s when people draw the line,” Kimmel reflected, calling the support “urgent and deeply emotional.”
He dedicated his Critics Choice Award to his team and fans, emphasizing the resilience and collective effort that helped Jimmy Kimmel Live! navigate one of its toughest periods.
