Jimmy Kimmel won a Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show in 2026, days after a six-day suspension over controversial remarks.

After his show was suspended for six days in September 2025 due to controversial remarks, Jimmy Kimmel made a comeback by winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show at the 2026 ceremony. Using satire to draw attention to issues with free speech and media freedom, he jokingly thanked President Donald Trump for providing a wealth of material in his acceptance speech. Kimmel called the experience a "near-death" moment and thanked his crew, union members, and the general public for supporting the show during its hiatus. The victory highlights his ongoing impact in late-night television despite changes in the industry and political scrutiny.