Jimmy Kimmel accepted the Critics Choice Award for best talk show on January 4, 2026, using his acceptance speech to thank Donald Trump and the entertainment industry figures who supported him after his late-night show was briefly pulled from ABC earlier in the year. The removal followed complaints from Nexstar and Sinclair, two major owners of ABC affiliate stations, regarding a monologue where Kimmel discussed the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist.

Kimmel expressed gratitude to the writers, actors, producers, and union members, many of whom were present at the awards ceremony. He then added, "Thank you to Donald Trump for all the many ridiculous things you do every day."

The incident involving Kimmel's show sparked debate within the United States regarding freedom of speech, the influence of media conglomerates, and the intersection of entertainment and political commentary. Similar debates have played out in various countries globally, where media ownership is often concentrated and where governments and corporations exert influence over editorial content. In many parts of the world, criticism of political figures can carry significant risks, including censorship, legal repercussions, and even threats to personal safety.

The controversy surrounding Kimmel's monologue also highlighted the increasing polarization of political discourse in the U.S., a phenomenon mirrored in other nations grappling with social and political divisions. The rise of social media has amplified these divisions, creating echo chambers and facilitating the spread of misinformation, further complicating the media landscape.

The Critics Choice Association, which presents the awards, has not issued a statement regarding Kimmel's speech or the earlier controversy surrounding his show. The future of Kimmel's late-night program remains unchanged, with ABC confirming its continued broadcast.