( HOLLYWOOD, CA ) – When the adult industry gathers in Hollywood on June 22nd for the 32nd annual XRCO Awards, they will witness the induction of a talented, diverse and significant Hall of Fame class.
This year’s class includes some of the most influential names in XXX over the past few decades. Their contributions cover numerous aspects of adult entertainment from traditional studio features to the sweeping changes brought on by the internet revolution. Included in the 2016 HoF class are three stunning female performers, the men behind arguably the two most powerful feature studios in adult cinema history, three ground-breaking director/creators, one of the industry’s most prolific critics and the man behind the most important web site in XXX. “Every year we have a number of worthy names up for consideration,” says XRCO Chairman Dirty Bob. “So many people have contributed to the industry over the years and a new crop that becomes eligible every year. Narrowing it down is never easy. This year’s class is very special in that it honors our history while recognizing the tremendous changes we have experienced as we look towards a bright future.”
The names Steve Hirsch and Steve Orenstein have become synonymous with the companies they led to prominence, Vivid Video and Wicked Pictures. These two adult film empires dominated and defined XXX features for the over two decades. Both men helped establish the contract star model that made household names out of Ginger Lynn, Jenna Jameson, Christy Canyon, jessica drake, Jen Teal, Serenity and countless others.
One of the products of that star system, Briana Banks joins several of her Vivid label mates in the Hall of Fame. The stunning blonde has starred in over three hundred XXX titles and recently announced her return to the industry after a decade away.
Golden Age stunner Constance Money enters the hall as a true pioneer. From 1975 to 1983 she starred in twenty seven adult films including classics “Opening of Misty Beethoven” and “Barbara Broadcast” both in the Hall of Fame themselves.
Hillary Scott was one of the most prolific adult starlets of the early 00’s. Star of over 600 titles, Hillary delighted fans and critics alike. Her performance at the 2006 XRCO Awards was a tribute to her overall appeal. She took home a record-setting five XRCO Awards including Female Performer of the Year and Best Actress for Corruption.
“Hillary Scott’s 2006 XRCO Awards haul was unprecedented,” says XRCO member Roger T. Pipe. “A clean sweep in the five individual categories she was nominated in and another two for her movie Corruption. I doubt we will ever see a single performer take home that many trophies in one shot again.”
The director/creator entries in this year’s class consists of three women whose creative vision has shaped adult movies. With over one hundred and fifty scripts to her credit, Raven Touchstone has given shape to some of the most memorable features in adult films. From her early work on Vivid’s “Ginger” movies and with Bruce Seven to her long runs writing for Vivid, Wicked and Metro, Raven is undoubtedly one of the most influential script writers in adult film history.
A pair of trailblazing directors also enter the Hall of Fame this year. Mason and Joanna Angel join Candida Royale and Suze Randal as the only female directors to achieve this honor. Defying conventional wisdom that female-directed porn is softer than smut shot by their male counterparts; both women prove that their porn can be as hot, nasty and filthy as anything a man can dream up. Since hitting the industry in 2002, Mason has directed over 160 titles mostly for Elegant Angel and Hard X. A favorite with her female stars, Mason has become well known for her hard-edged sex scenes and beautifully-shot tease sequences as well as the star showcases which have become career-defining efforts for many of her leading ladies.
Joanna Angel’s credentials for the Hall of Fame are solid on every level. As a performer she has more than two hundred and forty titles to her credit. Her good looks, outgoing personality and intense sexual energy have made her a fan favorite for over a decade. Behind the camera, Joanna has shot over two hundred movies for her company Burning Angel. Shooting fresh female talent often with more tattoos than the average porn girl and focusing on new music, Joanna and Burning Angel ushered in a new esthetic with their distinctive style.
“Joanna’s career has been exceptional in every regard,” says Dirty Bob. “She is a popular and dynamic performer, a skilled director and has created a brand that is truly her own. She is someone we all love and are very proud to call part of our industry.”
Don Houston joins the Hall of Fame as a member of the 5th estate. Writing primarily for XCritic.com, Houston is one of the most read and widely respected critics in the industry. Joining the XRCO a few years ago, he has been an outspoken voice for all that is positive in the adult entertainment industry.
Entering the Hall of Fame in the Special Award category is Jeff Vanzetti and IAFD.com. The Internet Adult Film Database houses information on nearly two hundred thousand XXX titles and over one hundred and fifty thousand performers. The site has been premier resource for all things adult for more than two decades. It is the go-to place for fans to look up their favorite stars or find reviews of movies or scenes. Jeff Vanzetti is the man in charge of making IAFD.com run and is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts and contributions to the industry.
“IAFD.com is quite possibly the most influential adult site in the history of our industry,” says Roger Pipe. “It is an invaluable resource for porn fans and critics alike. The review database has given a voice to many up and coming critics, myself included. The induction of the site and the man behind it are long overdue.”
The XRCO congratulates the 2016 Hall of Fame class and thanks them for their countless contributions to the adult entertainment industry.
IAFD Jeff Vanzetti – Special Award
Don Houston – 5th Estate
Raven Touchstone– Creator
Steve Hirsch – Special Award
Steve Orenstein– Special Award
Constance Money – Film Pioneer
Hillary Scott – Actress
Briana Banks – Actress
Mason – Director
Joanna Angel – Director
The 2016 XRCO Awards will take place on June 22nd and OHM in Hollywood.
Attendance is restricted to adult industry personnel and press only. Admission is free, but attendees must RSVP to be put on the list.
Limited Sponsorship opportunities and Program Ads are still available for this year’s big 32nd annual Awards Show.
Interested parties may contact Dirty Bob at (937) 299-6700 or db@xrco.comdb@xrco.com.
Currently, the 2016 XRCO Awards are sponsored, at various sponsorship levels, by: WICKED PICTURES, IAFD, AXEL BRAUN PRODUCTIONS, DVDEROTIK.COM, GLAMOURGIRL, AGW ENTERTAINMENT, PIPELINE MULTIMEDIA, SYBIAN, NAUGHTY BUSINESS, SS ENTERTAINMENT LLC, ADAM & EVE, ATMLA
Visit www.XRCO.com for more information or follow them on Twitter @XRCOAwards.
|