E109: 2022 Bestie Awards Live from Twitter HQ

The All-In besties gathered live at Twitter HQ on December 24, 2022, to celebrate their annual Bestie Awards, an entertaining tradition where Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg debate and award superlatives across politics, business, science, and culture for the year.

In the political arena, Ukraine and President Zelensky emerged as the biggest winners due to their resilient defense against Russian invasion, contrasting sharply with Xi Jinping and China's economic struggles. The hosts debated whether the progressive left qualified as the biggest political loser, particularly regarding urban governance and crime issues. They also highlighted various political surprises that shaped 2022's landscape.

The business segment proved contentious and lively. Despite the Twitter chaos and challenges, Elon Musk still emerged as a major winner, with Tesla maintaining its dominance in the electric vehicle space. In stark contrast, Sam Bankman-Fried and the crypto industry faced catastrophic collapse, making them the year's biggest business losers. The besties dissected major corporate moves, including Bob Iger's return to Disney and the strategic implications for the entertainment giant. Other business surprises ranged from unexpected pivots to stunning failures across various sectors.

Science and technology discussions highlighted CRISPR gene editing breakthroughs that brought cancer cures closer to reality. The hosts debated the most significant scientific achievements while also calling out flash-in-the-pan innovations that failed to deliver lasting impact. They examined emerging technologies and trends, separating genuine innovations from hype-driven phenomena.

CEO performance was evaluated with recognition for strong leadership and also criticism for failures. The besties discussed the best and worst investor decisions of the year, acknowledging both brilliant bets and catastrophic misjudgments. Notable turnarounds received praise while spectacular collapses were dissected with characteristic candor.

The conversation touched on cultural moments and corporate behavior, including the most loathsome companies based on their actions and values. They debated best and worst trends in culture and technology, reflecting on what genuinely moved culture versus what was merely superficial noise.

Media preferences revealed among the hosts ranged from traditional news sources like Sean Hannity to scientific books such as Nick Lane's works on evolution and complexity. The besties also discussed favorite podcasts and documentaries that shaped their thinking throughout the year.

The awards concluded with increasingly irreverent categories, including worst human being of the year and the coveted Rudy Giuliani Award for Self-Immolation, celebrating those who spectacularly destroyed their own reputation and influence. These awards reflected the hosts' trademark blend of humor, insight, and willingness to call out hypocrisy and failure across all domains.