Jimmy Kimmel has taken a unique approach in his campaign for Emmy consideration by incorporating remarks from former President Donald Trump. In a bid to promote his late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Kimmel shared a video montage on Instagram featuring various disparaging comments made by Trump about him.
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The video, posted on August 18, was more than just a showcase of Kimmel’s work; it served as a clever reminder to Emmy voters about the continued rivalry between the comedian and the ex-President. Trump has been known to frequently criticise Kimmel, calling him “not a talented person” and accusing him of having “terrible ratings.” The montage captures these moments and ends with a clear message for the Emmy voters to consider Kimmel’s show for accolades this year.
In addition to showcasing the former President’s remarks, the video also highlights the categories in which “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is nominated at the upcoming 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. These nominations include Outstanding Variety Series, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, among others. Kimmel’s caption was equally tongue-in-cheek, as he thanked Trump for his “consideration” while using the hashtag #FYC, which stands for “For Your Consideration.”
Trump has been a vocal opponent of Kimmel throughout his presidency. Their feud ignited various tensions, particularly following a joke Kimmel made about First Lady Melania Trump during an April episode. In that segment, he jokingly suggested that she had “a glow like an expected widow,” which drew ire from both the First Lady and the former President. Following the comment, Melania Trump called for ABC to take action against Kimmel, and Trump publicly demanded Kimmel’s firing, reinforcing the depth of their discord.
Despite the tensions, Kimmel has maintained his stance, describing his comments as nothing more than a light-hearted roast. This back-and-forth highlights the often tumultuous relationship between entertainers and political figures, where jokes can lead to serious calls for accountability.
In the lead-up to the Emmys, Kimmel has been on his annual summer break, allowing guest hosts to fill in for him on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Notable figures such as Tiffany Haddish, Colman Domingo, and Rosie O’Donnell have stepped in during his absence. O’Donnell, who recently began her hosting stint, even took a moment to greet Trump on air, saying, “Hi, I know you’re watching!”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” continues to air weeknights, providing comedic takes on current events and pop culture. The programme has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim, making it a prominent player in the late-night television landscape.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to occur on September 14, and they will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. As Kimmel prepares for the awards, his unconventional campaigning tactics ensure that his rivalry with Trump remains at the forefront of public consciousness, showcasing how personal disputes can intersect with the entertainment industry’s biggest events.
Kimmel’s innovative strategy of using his adversaries to bolster his Emmy prospects highlights the evolving nature of both late-night television and political commentary, where the boundaries between humour and rivalry can often blur. As the award show draws near, all eyes will remain on Kimmel, his nominations, and, inevitably, any further comments that might arise from Trump in response.