Jimmy Kimmel takes jab at CBS, Melania Trump at the Oscars

Jimmy Kimmel had some words for CBS and first lady Melania Trump while presenting at the 2026 Oscars.

Even when he's off duty from Oscars hosting duties, Jimmy Kimmel is eager to use the stage to get political.

While presenting the best documentary short award at the 98th Academy Awards Sunday, March 15, the late-night host and four-time Oscars emcee took the opportunity to sound off on the media landscape amid the Trump administration.

"We hear a lot about courage at shows like this, but telling a story that could get you killed for telling it is real courage," Kimmel told the Dolby Theatre's superstar crowd, which included nominees Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan and Benicio Del Toro.

"As you know, there are some countries whose leaders don't support free speech," Kimmel continued. "I'm not at liberty to say which. Let's just leave it at North Korea and CBS."

CBS and its parent company, Paramount, have come under scrutiny in the last year for their relationship with President Donald Trump, including a $16 million lawsuit settlement last July and the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," starring frequent Trump critic Stephen Colbert.