The 2026 Las Culturistas Culture Awards, held at the United Theater in Los Angeles on June 18, 2026, was anything but a typical awards show. Co-hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers of the popular Las Culturistas podcast, the event aired on Bravo and streamed on Peacock, celebrating the best in pop culture with a twist of humor and inclusivity.
The night was filled with unexpected performancesheartfelt tributes, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ icons and allies. From the opening number to the final award, the show was a testament to the hosts’ unique vision of what an awards ceremony can be.
Opening Night with a Bang
The evening kicked off with a rousing musical number featuring Yang and Rogers, paying homage to the hit TV show Heated Rivalry. The performance seamlessly transitioned into a rendition of t.A.T.u.’s All the Things She Saida song that gained renewed popularity thanks to a steamy club scene in Heated Rivalry.
Joining Yang and Rogers were Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow, stars of The Hunting Wiveswho brought their own power and charisma to the stage. The performance was a highlight of the night, showcasing the show’s ability to blend different elements of pop culture into a cohesive and entertaining spectacle.
Show-Stealing Performances
Rachel Zegler delivered a show-stopping performance with her Evita-inspired rendition of Addison Rae’s Fame Is a Gun. Zegler, known for her role in the West End revival of Evitabrought a level of vocal perfection and stage presence that left the audience in awe.
Another standout performance was Yang and Rogers’ rendition of the Pokémon theme song, featuring the beloved character Pikachu. The performance was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for millennials, blending the hosts’ humor with the iconic theme song.
Miss Piggy and Other Childhood Favorites
The show also featured appearances from beloved childhood characters, including Miss Piggy, who was honored for her excellence in divahood. Miss Piggy’s surprise appearance in a pink dress and feather boa was met with a standing ovation and strong applause.
The Bob Baker Marionettes’ feline troupe, the Meow-ionettes, accompanied Broadway star Ben Platt as he sang Smelly Cata song made famous by Lisa Kudrow’s Phoebe Buffay on Friends. The performance was a lead-in to Kudrow receiving the lifetime of culture award.
Honoring LGBTQ+ Icons and Allies
The Las Culturistas Culture Awards are known for their inclusivity and celebration of LGBTQ+ icons and allies. This year was no exception, with awards presented to Hannah Einbinder for the all good either way award for bisexuality in media, RuPaul for the artist of the millennium award, and Will Ferrell, who was awarded the titan of culture award.
Ferrell’s acceptance speech included unfurling a Pride flag and declaring that gay pride is the most important thing to me. While Ferrell is not gay, his support as an ally was warmly received by the audience.
Unique and Hilarious Categories
The show featured a whopping 100 categories, each more unique and hilarious than the last. Some of the standout categories included most triggered, activated and dysregulated I was this year; best Disney hotel for intercourse, sex, or lovemaking; and best part of WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! song.
One of the most memorable categories was the Shrek Award for Top Thing We Want to Do to That Green Guy, which featured explicit and NSFW nominees. The award was presented by Paul W. Downs, who appeared on stage as a ripped Shrek, adding a touch of absurdity and humor to the night.
The Las Culturistas Culture Awards 2026 was a night to remember, filled with unforgettable performances, surprising appearances, and a celebration of inclusivity and humor. The show’s unique approach to honoring pop culture made it a standout event in the entertainment world.
