Jimmy Kimmel wins President’s Award, jokes about Trump after suspension controversy
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 14, 2026, 21:17 IST
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Jimmy Kimmel received the President’s Award at the ICG Publicists Awards months after his ABC suspension and used his speech to joke about Donald Trump, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon. The honor recognized his resilience and outspoken style, while other stars including Kate Hudson and Noah Wyle were also celebrated at the ceremony ahead of the Oscars.
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was honored with the President’s Award at the International Cinematographers Guild Publicists Awards, months after his brief suspension from television, and used the moment to deliver jokes about Donald Trump, Hollywood stars, and his own controversies.
Jimmy Kimmel received the President’s Award at the ICG Publicists Awards months after his ABC suspension and used his speech to joke about Donald Trump, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon. The honor recognized his resilience and outspoken style, while other stars including Kate Hudson and Noah Wyle were also celebrated at the ceremony ahead of the Oscars.
The award was presented at the ceremony in Beverly Hills by the International Cinematographers Guild, which praised Kimmel for his resilience and commitment to speaking his mind despite criticism. The honor comes after his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was suspended for several days following comments he made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which sparked backlash.
While accepting the award, Kimmel joked about the title, saying he was surprised to receive a “President’s Award” because he thought Trump disliked him. The comedian has frequently criticized the former president on his show and in public appearances.
Kimmel told the audience that he initially thought the award was connected to Trump before learning it referred to the guild’s president instead. The joke drew laughter from the crowd and set the tone for a speech filled with humor and sarcasm.
Kimmel also made lighthearted comments about Timothée Chalamet, who recently faced online criticism for remarks about ballet and opera. The host joked that publicists have a difficult job when celebrities make strong statements that create headlines.
A prerecorded video message from Ben Affleck and longtime Kimmel rival Matt Damon was played during the ceremony, continuing their long-running comedic feud. Damon delivered a joking insult aimed at Kimmel, which the host responded to during his speech.
Several actors and industry figures were also recognized during the event. Actress Kate Hudson received a motion picture showperson award and joked about her early career interviews, while actor Noah Wyle was honored for his work in television.
The ceremony took place just days before the Academy Awards, adding to a busy week in Hollywood as the film industry prepares for its biggest night.
Kimmel ended his speech by thanking colleagues for supporting him during the suspension controversy, saying he would not forget the encouragement he received from friends and publicists during the difficult period.
Jimmy Kimmel received the President’s Award at the ICG Publicists Awards months after his ABC suspension and used his speech to joke about Donald Trump, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon. The honor recognized his resilience and outspoken style, while other stars including Kate Hudson and Noah Wyle were also celebrated at the ceremony ahead of the Oscars.
The award was presented at the ceremony in Beverly Hills by the International Cinematographers Guild, which praised Kimmel for his resilience and commitment to speaking his mind despite criticism. The honor comes after his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was suspended for several days following comments he made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which sparked backlash.
While accepting the award, Kimmel joked about the title, saying he was surprised to receive a “President’s Award” because he thought Trump disliked him. The comedian has frequently criticized the former president on his show and in public appearances.
Kimmel told the audience that he initially thought the award was connected to Trump before learning it referred to the guild’s president instead. The joke drew laughter from the crowd and set the tone for a speech filled with humor and sarcasm.
Kimmel also made lighthearted comments about Timothée Chalamet, who recently faced online criticism for remarks about ballet and opera. The host joked that publicists have a difficult job when celebrities make strong statements that create headlines.
A prerecorded video message from Ben Affleck and longtime Kimmel rival Matt Damon was played during the ceremony, continuing their long-running comedic feud. Damon delivered a joking insult aimed at Kimmel, which the host responded to during his speech.
Several actors and industry figures were also recognized during the event. Actress Kate Hudson received a motion picture showperson award and joked about her early career interviews, while actor Noah Wyle was honored for his work in television.
The ceremony took place just days before the Academy Awards, adding to a busy week in Hollywood as the film industry prepares for its biggest night.
Kimmel ended his speech by thanking colleagues for supporting him during the suspension controversy, saying he would not forget the encouragement he received from friends and publicists during the difficult period.