Jimmy Kimmel Shares Gratitude for Donald Trump and Sam Altman While Discussing Free Speech at Critics Choice Awards: “FIFA Peace Prize Would Have Been a Better Choice”
Jimmy Kimmel expressed a touch of envy while accepting the Critics Choice award for Best Talk Show alongside three executive producers of Jimmy Kimmel Live! during a recent ceremony.
“FIFA Peace Prize would have been better, but this is nice too,” he joked, referencing an award previously created for President Donald Trump by the football organization.
In his speech, Kimmel acknowledged “our friends at ABC,” specifically naming top executives Dana Walden and Rob Mills, as well as “Sam Altman, who now owns my voice and face. Please don’t do anything weird with it.”
This mention comes in light of Disney’s recent signing of a significant $1 billion deal with OpenAI, where Altman serves as co-founder and CEO. The agreement involves transferring Disney’s iconic characters to the generative AI platform Sora.
Kimmel also referenced the show’s abrupt removal from the air in September, following comments he made about the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder. The program was reinstated days later after a public outcry.
He extended his gratitude to his long-time agent and PR representative, acknowledging “all the towels and cigarettes that they chewed and smoked during a tumultuous year.”
Kimmel praised the writers, actors, producers, and union members who supported the show. “Many of you who are in this room really stepped forward and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country. Your actions are important, and we appreciate them,” he said.
In addition to JKL, the nominees for Best Talk Show included fellow network late-night shows such as The Daily Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the departing Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and YouTube’s Hot Ones.
Addressing the uncertain future of late-night TV, Kimmel acknowledged Hot Ones host Sean Evans, remarking, “Congratulations to Sean. One day he will be the only one left.”
Kimmel saved his final thanks for his frequent target, President “Donald Jennifer Trump,” stating, “without whom we would be going home empty-handed tonight.” This playful jab at Trump’s middle initial is a recurring theme in Kimmel’s monologues.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day,” Kimmel added. “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.”
Following a holiday break, JKL is set to return on January 5.
