Stephen Colbert Says Emmy Win Due to Jimmy Kimmel Campaign for Him

Stephen Colbert was met with a thunderous standing ovation as he kicked off the September 16 episode of “The Late Show” by proudly declaring it the Emmy-winning edition. The comedian had reason to celebrate, as he took home the prestigious award for outstanding talk series at the 2025 Emmys. This victory came as a poignant moment for Colbert, especially after CBS had announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” earlier in the year.

During his first monologue following his Emmy win, Colbert received yet another round of applause from his audience and took the time to express his gratitude to his fellow nominees, Jimmy Kimmel and Jon Stewart. He commended them for their immense talent and friendship, noting Kimmel’s heartfelt gesture of putting up a billboard urging Emmy voters to support Colbert instead.

Kimmel’s public endorsement of Colbert was a touching display of solidarity within the entertainment industry. The billboard, strategically placed in West Hollywood, simply stated, “I’m voting for Stephen,” showcasing Kimmel’s unwavering support for his colleague.

Colbert made sure to acknowledge the dedicated team behind “The Late Show” during his post-Emmys monologue, emphasizing that the award belonged to all 200 individuals who worked tirelessly to make the show a success. From the writers to the production staff, from the band to the audience department, Colbert expressed his gratitude for their collective effort.

Kimmel’s vocal defense of Colbert in the wake of the show’s cancellation highlighted the genuine admiration and respect he had for his friend. Describing Colbert as a moral, ethical, and humble person, Kimmel expressed his hope that Colbert’s future endeavors would be even more impactful.

The 2025 Emmys ceremony saw Colbert make a grand entrance as the first presenter of the night, receiving a rapturous reception from the audience. This momentous occasion was deemed significant by Emmys producer Jesse Collins, who believed it was a powerful moment for Colbert to take the stage.

Colbert’s acceptance speech for outstanding talk series was a standout moment of the evening, with the comedian delivering a poignant message of love for his country and a call for strength and bravery. His closing words, urging people to “punch a higher floor” when faced with adversity, resonated with viewers and encapsulated his indomitable spirit.

As Colbert basked in the glory of his Emmy win, his post-Emmys monologue served as a testament to his resilience and talent. The video of his monologue continues to captivate audiences, showcasing Colbert’s wit and charm that have endeared him to fans worldwide.