It is probably the most recognized and prestigious award show the adult industry has: The AVN Awards. It's been held each year in January during the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. Let's spend a few words on this years event--the 37th.
What makes the AVN Award Show quite unique is the size and the budget. It's obvious that mainstream award events were the inspiration, the Grammy Awards or The Oscars for example. There is a huge stage and a lot of visual effects. There are presenters, people announcing the award winners and show acts.
The 2020 show started with a touching video where adult performers encouraged others that they are not alone. This in light of the past suicides. Nobody should drag their problems and insecurities along. It's important to talk about it and there are coworkers and institutions to listen.
Next up was a video that kind of made fun of a group therapy session, quite a stark contrast to the previous serious one. However it was also used to introduce comedian Aries Spears that first appeared in the clip then live on stage.
After Aries unloaded a few naughty jokes, he welcomed the two hosts to the stage: Pornstar girls Nikki Benz and Emily Bloom. The slightly nervous ladies went on to start with the award ceremony. The first trophy (Best Girl/Girl Sex Scene) went to Aidra Fox and Kristen Scott for their performance in TEENAGE LESBIAN.
Over 100 Awards
During the evening, more than 100 awards were given away, however not all were individually presented. Part of it were also Fan Awards, the voting for those was conducted on the AVNstars.com platform.
The whole show was again recorded by the TV network 'Showtime' as in previous years. This for sure helps to make the AVN Awards even more recognized.
To bring some diversity into the presentation, there were also musical performances by DJ Diplo and rapper Doja Cat. She performed in a "nude" dress that had fake nipples and pubic hair stuck to it--a nice touch to fit in.
Some girls had some rememberable words for the audience: Angela White, Female Performer of the Year and Fan Award Winner for example thanked Jules Jordan for bringing the dark side out in her. Violet Doll, winner of the Favorite Domme Award, found that finally after 14 years she has got awarded. And Director of the Year Kayden Kross fell into tears and spread some really emotional words.
The winner is...
Compared to other award shows the AVN Awards still honor the classic porn industry the most. Still one can see a shift into webcams and the online business in general. Several performers are actually doing porn and camming at the same time.
Here are some of the important winners:
Female Performer of the Year
Angela White
Male Performer of the Year
Small Hands
Director of the Year
Kayden Kross
Best New Starlet
Gianna Dior
Favorite Camgirl
Emily Bloom
Best Parody
Captain Marvel XXX: An Axel Braun Parody
Best Romance
Love Song, Wicked Pictures