“A mistake has been made”: Jimmy Kimmel on first-ever Peabody Award win

Jimmy Kimmel couldn't contain his shock on winning a Peabody award for his late-night show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' at The 86th Annual Peabody Awards in California on May 31, 2026. The host won the award for his season that was "suspended" suddenly reportedly due to his comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination. He was reinstated after public uproar. Detailing the incident in Peabody's announcement of his win, the award committee stated, "Kimmel’s return to air was a master class in public apologia for the Kirk comments while nevertheless, and doggedly, asserting his rights to criticize the president and MAGA movement that sought to silence him. For reminding us that comedy and satire are vital—yet also threatening—forms of democratic speech, Jimmy Kimmel Live! wins a Peabody."