The 31st Annual Critics' Choice Awards were held yesterday, and Jimmy Kimmel took home the prize for Best Talk Show. In his acceptance speech, Kimmel thanked several people, including his team of writers and producers.
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However, before leaving the stage, Kimmel gave a surprising shoutout to a certain president, without whom he claimed he'd be leaving the night "empty-handed." That's right, in his speech, Jimmy Kimmel thanked President Donald Trump, whom he sarcastically referred to as Donald "Jennifer" Trump.
The name alone is just one example of how Kimmel has poked fun at Trump in the past. In this bit, Kimmel is known to replace Trump's middle initial "J" with cheeky alternatives.
He expressed his gratitude towards the president for providing him with consistent inspiration for Jimmy Kimmel Live! "So thank you, Mr. President," he quipped, "for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day."
Kimmel also recognized Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers, who were also nominated in the category. He joked that although they weren't present at the event, they were still appreciated. "We share this award with our colleagues in late night," he quipped. "Our fellow nominees who did not care enough to be here with you tonight."
How 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Almost Got Cancelled in 2025
Kimmel's words towards Trump hold extra weight this time, especially because of the rift that happened earlier in 2025 that almost led to Jimmy Kimmel Live! being permanently cancelled.
In September of this year, Kimmel delivered a monologue in response to the death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed on September 10, 2025. Kimmel accused Trump of not acting sincerely after Kirk's death, and of the "MAGA Gang" using the tragedy to "score political points."
"This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish," Kimmel said of Trump.
According to the BBC, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to take action against ABC and Disney. This prompted two of the largest media companies, Nextstar Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group, to temporarily stop airing the show. However, after receiving significant industry backlash, both groups returned Jimmy Kimmel Live! to their airwaves in late September.
Kimmel concluded his speech, expressing his eagerness to get back on the show. "It's been a banner couple of weeks [for Trump], and we can't wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them."
