Jimmy Kimmel wins President’s Award – ‘I thought he hated me!’

Months after his ABC suspension, Jimmy Kimmel was honored for his \

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Jimmy Kimmel is being venerated by the president. No, not that one.

The unfiltered late-night host – and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump – was honored with the President’s Award at the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Publicists Awards, where he was recognized for “his strength of character, his resilience and his unwavering adherence to principle in the face of adversity,” according to a statement by the organization.

The trophy was bestowed by ICG national president John Lindley, months after “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was suspended for six days following comments that Kimmel, 58, made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“When they told me I'd be getting the President's Award, I said, ‘Wow, that's great! I thought he hated me!’ He called me a ‘no talent’ and tried to force me off the air,” Kimmel told the crowd at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, where he was feted on March 13. “Then I found out the president was John, so thank you, John. I like you more than him.”

Kimmel proceeded to thank the publicists being celebrated, cracking some timely jokes about Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet, who has recently come under fire for saying that “no one cares” about ballet and opera.