At the end of each calendar year, the adult industry typically reflects on the past year’s releases in the form of award nominations. At HotMovies, we consider ourselves the experts of all things XXX, and with our unique and differing perspectives on the content we see each day, the staff writers decided to nominate our own personal choices for some already-established award categories.
@ExplicitBridget
Female Performer of the Year: Sara Luvv
For me, 2016 was the year of Sara Luvv. Everywhere I seemed to look, Sara dominated the major releases from virtually every studio out there. One of the biggest releases of the year, Babysitting the Baumgartners, showcased Sara’s ability to deliver incredible performances for both lesbian and straight scenes. She’s a truly dynamic star that continues to rise through the ranks of the industry into fan-favorite status.
Male Performer of the Year: Mick Blue
He’s won the title in years past, but Mick Blue continues to lead the male performer pack in my opinion. With his studio BAM Visions as a standout new brand for Evil Angel and his work with every other major studio under the sun, watching a Mick Blue scene was almost unavoidable this year, not that anyone would want to avoid the raunchy Austrian sweetheart!
Best New Starlet: Lyra Law
We were introduced to the stunning Lyra Law in 2016, and I couldn’t have been more mesmerized by her performances. Whether performing as a Domme or as your more typical porn video-vixen, Lyra put her own sexy spin on being a California beachy blonde. Her scenes alongside real-life beau Michael Vegas were especially titillating for me because I could tell their chemistry was 100% authentic.
Trans Performer of the Year: Nina Lawless
I saw a whole lot of Nina Lawless this year, and I liked it! The super-fit Mexican hottie made waves working with almost every trans-friendly studio in the industry this year. Not only is her work ethic impressive, but so too is her range. Nina can be a sultry scene partner when she tops or bottoms, but she can also be a merciless Dominatrix during her kinkier shoots.
Best Feature Movie: Little Red – A Lesbian Fairytale
Girlsway is constantly killing it with their feature releases, but Little Red really took the cake for me this year. Inspired by the classic fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood, Little Red somehow turned a children’s classic into a raunchy lesbian romp that kept pretty true to the plot of the original story… as much as was possible without involving an actual wolf.
Best Gonzo Movie: Dirty Talk 3
Manuel Ferrara‘s series Dirty Talk is a pretty sensual take on the POV genre, and for that reason alone I love it. With each starlet beginning their scene by giving the camera “bedroom eyes” while telling Manuel exactly what they want to do to him, it’s a pretty intimate and sexy moment. This series is unique and doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion, but the third installment is especially my favorite just because some of my favorite stars are in it: August Ames, Abella Danger, Karlee Grey, and Briana Banks! Doesn’t get hotter than that.
@Asian_Bad_Girl
Female Performer of the Year: Veronica Rodriguez
Veronica’s been a very busy girl in 2016, and I believe she’s officially established herself as one of XXX’s best and most in-demand starlets of 2016. Did I mention Ms. Rodriguez is the undisputed queen of squirting? For that reason alone, she should win Female Performer of the Year.
Male Performer of the Year: Small Hands
First off, his hands aren’t small at all. Secondly, his piece is, like, the complete opposite of small. Also, I love his facial expressions and style! He’s been making the rounds in 2016 – and for damn good reason!
Best New Starlet: Lana Rhoades
I’m a huge fan of this girl’s work, and I absolutely love her look and style, too. With her piercing blue eyes, breathtaking bod and undeniable talents – Ms. Rhoades is on the fast track to superstardom.
Best Feature Film: Storm Of Kings
Following in the footsteps of Game Of Bones, Storm Of Kings will keep fantasy nerds more than satisfied with its bold and fun take on busty wenches, sword battles, and medieval-style intercourse!
@JudyHologram
Female Performer of the Year: Abella Danger and Sara Luvv
It’s a toss up between Abella Danger and Sara Luvv. They’re both great performers who are tons of fun to watch, and they consistently pick great projects to work on.
Male Performer of the Year: Manuel Ferrara
I know he’s already won like 1000 times, but I’ve gotta stick with Manuel Ferrara. The man could generate sexual chemistry with a chia pet. His scene with Abella Danger in her Hard X showcase, Abella, was truly phenomenal.
Best New Starlet: Kira Noir
Kira Noir really stood out for me this year. She has a look that’s really hard to find in this industry, and she carries herself with a ton of maturity. I consistently have to remind myself that she really is a newbie and that she’s not an industry veteran.
Trans Performer of the Year: River Stark
I have to go with River Stark for her performance in Transition. It was a powerful, semi-autobiographic performance that I think is really helping to change the landscape of trans-porn.
Best Feature Movie: Cindy Queen of Hell
I love seeing big passion project from people who really love their work. The first scene with Joanna Angel, Xander Corvus, and Small Hands is particularly awesome.
Best Gonzo Movie: Girl/Boy 2
Girl/Boy 2 from Dana Vespoli just really blew me away. A very close second would be Abella, the Abella Danger showcase from Hard X.
@AndiScribe
Female Performer of the Year: Samantha Bentley
Samantha has performed in several films this year, but I am most fond of her crazy character in Hard in Love I & II. She’s been writing a lot about the industry for mainstream publications, which has helped to give a non-porn audience an honest and intelligent look at the work she does.
Male Performer of the Year: Jean Val Jean
Jean Val Jean has been around for awhile, but recently he has made a huge comeback with Erotica X and Tushy scenes. Also, his scene with Joanna Angel in Dominantly Submissive was excellent.
Best New Starlet: Christiana Cinn
Christiana Cinn started in late 2015, and she already has over 30 scenes to her 
credit with some of the biggest studios in the game. She has a ton of creative vision and talent, and I hope to see much more of her next year. Although, I think many people will say Melissa Moore may get the nod this year due to her scary similarity to last year’s Female Performer of the Year, Riley Reid.
Trans Performer of the Year: Michelle Austin
Michelle Austin has worked her butt off this year as a performer, director, and studio owner. She has also been forthcoming with her own work on her body, mind, and soul through social media and advocacy.
Best Feature Movie: Sugar Babies
Sugar Babies from Pretty Dirty studio. I am not writing any spoilers, but this was messed up and super hot. Best movie of the year, if you’re into dark and inappropriate relationships, which is what makes this studio really great.
Best Gonzo Movie: Anal Encores
Anal Encores from Mike Adriano Media. Newcomer Zelda Morrison’s scene with Mike is not to be missed.
See which movies and stars were actually nominated for the 2017 AVN Awards on HotMovies!