The fifth edition of the Las Culturistas Culture Awards (LCCAs), created by podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, is set to air on June 17th on Bravo and Peacock. The awards ceremony took place at the iconic Radio City Music Hall on May 30th, celebrating a decade of cultural commentary and friendship fostered through their hit podcast, “Las Culturistas.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bowen-yang-matt-rogers-nbc-universal-upfront-061626-56faa10425eb486fbcd54f1a3c9481cd.jpg)
Since its inception in 2016, the podcast has attracted a devoted following, featuring notable guests, including Tina Fey, Mandy Moore, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The platform began as a simple weekly chat about pop culture that the duo initially thought would go unnoticed. However, over the years, it has grown into a community enriched with inside jokes and memorable conversations, as Rogers noted, “I think what we’re building with the podcast is inside jokes for everybody to be in on.”
The enduring chemistry of Rogers and Yang has allowed them to remain relevant in an ever-changing media landscape. With beloved segments like “What was the culture that made you say culture was for you?” and “I Don’t Think So Honey,” the podcast continues to resonate with listeners, even after a decade. Yang commented on their experience, stating, “This is just a playdate with my best friend,” highlighting the genuine camaraderie they share.
Their journey began at New York University, where they were introduced by mutual friends but did not connect immediately. It wasn’t until a Halloween party that they bonded over their shared love for Nicki Minaj’s “Roman’s Revenge.” Since that pivotal moment, they have become inseparable both in friendship and in creative collaboration. Their podcast launched with a recap of the 2016 Grammys, where they declared their ambition to “attack culture” and “irrigate culture,” unaware of the substantial impact they would eventually have.
The show gained significant traction during the pandemic in 2020 as they candidly shared their experiences while the world went into lockdown. During this time, they invited fans to join them in binge-watching Survivor, which helped foster connection during isolation. “That’s what [listeners] wanted, to connect and hear a friendship in action,” said Rogers, reflecting on the show’s surge in popularity during that period.
In addition to their successful podcast, the duo ventured into film, making their feature debut in the 2022 comedy “Fire Island.” Following their screen success, they have continued to write and star in various projects, including forthcoming works inspired by their podcast discussions. They even appeared in the web series “Overcompensating,” where they showcased their unique brand of humour as a couple.
Their pop culture passion takes centre stage with concert reviews and album discussions becoming staples of the podcast. Both Yang and Rogers are enthusiastic fans, often attending high-profile events. In a notable moment, Taylor Swift herself called in during the 2023 LCCAs to accept her “Cultch Award” for her contributions to culture, highlighting the influence of the podcast within pop culture circles.
What initially started as a comedic bit has evolved into an extravagant celebration with red carpets and star-studded performances. The LCCAs have included memorable moments such as performances by Ben Platt and appearances by celebrities who interact with the audience in engaging ways. Rogers stated that while the awards began as a joke, they have consistently put in the hard work to make it a cherished event.
Beyond their podcast and awards, the duo constantly embraces new adventures, from cooking segments to hosting Olympic podcasts. Their playful dynamic is ideal for any talk show host, leading to appearances alongside popular figures such as Seth Meyers, whom they have gifted with multiple awards for his contributions to the medium.
As the LCCAs prepares to make its television debut on June 17, expectations are high. With a diverse guest list that includes stars from “Saturday Night Live” and iconic figures from reality television, the event promises a captivating blend of entertainment. Reflecting on their incredible journey, Yang mused on the transformation from two college students meeting for the first time to influential figures in modern culture, stating how astonishing it would be to share their current success with their younger selves.
As the event looms, the cultural landscape awaits in anticipation, eager to see how the Las Culturistas continue to shape and define the conversations around modern culture.