The Las Culturistas Awards, an annual event, celebrates the best in drag culture, comedy, and LGBTQ+ entertainment. This comprehensive guide delves into the award categories, highlighting their significance and showcasing past winners and nominees.
Established in 2017, the Las Culturistas Awards, also known as the "Las Culties," have become a beacon for drag culture, comedy, and LGBTQ+ entertainment. The awards honor the most innovative, impactful, and entertaining figures in these realms, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among artists and fans alike.
Drag Excellence
The Drag Excellence category recognizes the most outstanding drag performers who have made significant contributions to the art form and culture throughout the year.
Past winners include Bob The Drag Queen (2017), who rose to fame after winning RuPaul's Drag Race season 8, and Monét X Change (2019), known for her humor, charisma, and impressive sewing skills. Both winners have continued to push the boundaries of drag, creating memorable performances and inspiring a new generation of drag artists.
Drag Queen of the Year
This sub-category honors an exceptional drag queen who has consistently delivered outstanding performances, broken barriers, and inspired fans throughout the year.
Some notable nominees include Trixie Mattel (2018), who won the title after her triumphant return to RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 3, and Gottmik (2021), the first trans man to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race. Both queens have used their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and promote self-acceptance.
Drag King of the Year
This sub-category celebrates a remarkable drag king who has made significant strides in the art form, challenging gender norms and pushing the boundaries of drag performance.
Jude Dry, a prominent drag king and activist, was nominated for this category in 2020 for his powerful performances and advocacy for the drag king community. Similarly, Landon Cider, another notable drag king, was recognized in 2021 for his impressive lip-syncing skills and captivating stage presence.
Comedic Genius
The Comedic Genius category acknowledges the funniest and most innovative comedians who have brought laughter and joy to audiences throughout the year.
Winners of this category include Nicole Byer (2018), known for her hilarious hosting duties on Netflix's "Nailed It!" and "The Great British Baking Show: Holidays," and Patti Harrison (2020), who gained recognition for her comedic roles in shows like "I Know This Much Is True" and "Shrill."
Stand-Up Comedian of the Year
This sub-category honors a stand-up comedian who has delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their unique comedic voice and talent for making audiences laugh.
Quinta Brunson, creator and star of the ABC sitcom "Abbott Elementary," was nominated for this category in 2022 for her hilarious and relatable comedy specials. Similarly, Sam Richardson, known for his roles in "Veep" and "Ted Lasso," was recognized for his impressive stand-up skills and ability to connect with audiences.
Comedic Actor of the Year
This sub-category celebrates an actor who has demonstrated exceptional comedic timing and talent in a television or film role throughout the year.
Hannah Einbinder, star of the HBO series "Hacks," was nominated for this category in 2021 for her portrayal of a young, entitled comedy writer. Similarly, Aidy Bryant, known for her work on "Saturday Night Live," was recognized for her hilarious and heartfelt performance in the Hulu series "Shrill."
LGBTQ+ Trailblazer
The LGBTQ+ Trailblazer category honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and culture throughout the year.
Winners of this category include Laverne Cox (2017), a trailblazing transgender actress and advocate, and Billy Porter (2019), known for his groundbreaking role in "Pose" and his iconic red carpet appearances. Both winners have used their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and promote greater visibility and understanding of the community.
LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year
This sub-category recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and equality throughout the year.
Raquel Willis, a prominent transgender activist and writer, was nominated for this category in 2020 for her work as the executive editor of Out Magazine and her advocacy for transgender rights. Similarly, Alok Vaid-Menon, a non-binary poet and performer, was recognized for their powerful spoken word performances and advocacy for LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming individuals.
LGBTQ+ Artist of the Year
This sub-category celebrates an LGBTQ+ artist who has created exceptional work that explores, celebrates, or challenges LGBTQ+ themes and experiences throughout the year.
Sasha Velour, a drag queen known for her innovative and captivating performances, was nominated for this category in 2018 after winning RuPaul's Drag Race season 9. Similarly, Mykki Blanco, a queer hip-hop artist and activist, was recognized for their powerful and provocative music and performances.
As the Las Culturistas Awards continue to grow and evolve, they remain a vital platform for celebrating the best in drag culture, comedy, and LGBTQ+ entertainment. By honoring the most innovative, impactful, and entertaining figures in these realms, the Las Culties foster a sense of community and appreciation among artists and fans alike, ensuring that the spirit of drag and LGBTQ+ culture continues to thrive.