Welcome to the new year my friends. 2006 is barely in the rear view mirror and it is already time to look forward to a bright and new 07. With the turning of another page, the porn world prepares to take a final look back on last year, but kicking off this one with a big gathering in Vegas capped off by the AVN Awards. With no clear favorites going into the awards and the discussion surrounding the change of venue and other issues at AVN, we should have plenty to talk about next month. In the meantime there are other awards, new contract girls and just a bit of drama to discuss.

As has become tradition, the fans got a chance to voice their opinion as to who the very best in the business were in 2006. The four week tournament allowed fans to vote for their favorite performers and movies. Avenging a narrow loss to Bisexual Britni a few years ago, Jenna Haze emerged victorious as the fans pick for Best Female Performer. Manuel Ferrara took home his first trophy as Best Male, beating three-time winner Erik Everhard. Fast rising superstar Sasha Grey came out on as Best Newbie, topping a very strong field. Evil Angel and Jules Jordan continued their dominance as Best Company and Best Director. The new award this year for Best DVD brought more good news for both Jules and Jenna as Jordan’s hit “Jenna Haze Darkside” was named Best DVD. The winners will receive their trophies on the floor of the AEE show next month. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to everyone who participated this year.

Since everyone and their daughter has a reality show these days, it makes sense that porn stars would follow. We haven’t quite gotten to the point of following Tera and Evan around every day, but I’m sure that is coming in the near future. For now we get to enjoy “My Bare Lady” on the Fox Reality Network. It follows four adult actresses, Nautica Thorn, Sasha Knox, Kirsten Price and Channel St. James, as they attempt to go from smut queens to serious actresses. After an open casting call, the four were chosen and taken to London for a four-week crash course in stage acting. At the end of the show, the girl will perform live at a Shakespearian showcase. Can the finest instructors and coaches in England turn one of these young beauties into a serious actress? It really doesn’t matter because it’s going to be fun to watch one way or the other.

Always on the lookout for the next big contract star, Digital Playground added two familiar faces this month. First they brought Katsumi on board. Porn fans already know what this striking Vietnames/French star can do. She has been wowing audiences for a few years with her good looks and hard-core scenes. Her inclusion in the DP family could be an indication that they will continue to push their product towards a harder-edged feel. Of course it could also indicate a desire in Katsumi to slow down her hard-core scenes and go for something softer. The second hottie to be added to the Digital Playground roster is former Vivid Girl Lacie Heart. This young beauty burst on the scene quickly and then fade a bit on a roster that is filled with so many girls that one rarely gets the chance to shine. That certainly won’t be a problem for Lacie at Digital Playground. Though she will be surrounded by some of the hottest girls in the industry, we won’t be able to lose sight of Lacie now that she’s part of the DP team.

There are changes galore over at AVN. Both the magazine and the awards show will have a different look in 2007. Though the AEE will still take place at the Sands Expo this year, the AVN Awards Show has moved over to the Mandalay Bay. That should make for some interesting commute stories as scores of hot porn girls try to get from the Venetian to the Bay in Saturday night Strip Traffic. There is also word that some big companies are opting out of AEE this year in favor of hospitality suites. It seems that as AVN has shifted the focus of the show from business to a more fan friendly environment, some companies are looking for other ways to spend money. Change is also in the air at AVN magazine. Mike Ramone is out and Dan Davis has replaced him. Davis has been running AVN Online for a while and steps into the position amid controversy and the usual internet-fueled gossip storm that always accompanies such changes. Nothing like a little scandal to kick off a new year.

Speaking of scandal, or at least something that is worthy of gossip, Jenna Jameson is getting a divorce. She and husband Jay announced their split just as Club Jenna is set to release their latest title,. “Jenna Loves Jay.” Irony aside, the movie will probably be the last time we see the two working together. For those of you salivating at the idea that Jenna is on the market again, be careful. She has been linked to UFC tough guy Tito Ortiz. So if you want to snag a date with the fabulous Ms. J, you better be careful or you might be swallowing a few teeth.

Before AVN picks their awards, it’s my turn. The RogReviews.com Critic’s Choice Awards will be handed out on the floor of the AEE and the winners will be announced in early January. For now, we’ll have to be satisfied with the nominations.

Best Feature

Britney Rears 3: X-Play (Review) Corruption: Sex Z (Review) Christoph Clark’s Obsession: Evil Angel (Review) Fashionitas Safado: The Challenge: Evil Angel (Review) Island Fever 4: Digital Playground (Review) Manhunters: Wicked (Review) Porn Wars: Private (Review) Sex City: Private (Review) Tailgunners: Adam & Eve (Review) Sex Pix: Red Light District (Review)

Best All-Sex Movie

Ass Addiction : Digital Playground (Review) Boobaholics Anonymous: Red Light District (Review) Casey Parker is the Girl Next Door: Shane’s World (Review) Control 2: Digital Playground (Review) Jack’s Asian Adventure : Digital Playground (Review) Jenna Haze Darkside: Jules Jordan Video (Review) My Girlfriend’s Whore Friend: Evil Angel (Review) Racial Tension: Jules Jordan Video (Review) Short & Sleazy: Pulse (Review) Slut Puppies 2: Jules Jordan Video (Review)

Best Director

James Avalon Christoph Clark Stoney Curtis Robby D Mike John Jules Jordan Jim Powers Mike Quasar (Quasarman) Joey Silvera John Stagliano

Best Newbie

Sasha Grey Shay Jordan Sahara Knite Sasha Knox Michelle Maylene Amy Reid Ava Rose Mia Rose Tia Tanaka Naomi Casey Parker Kaci Star

Best Male Performer

Erik Everhard Manuel Ferrara Steve Holmes Brandon Iron Mr. Marcus Scott Nails Lexington Steele Michael Stefano Evan Stone Mark Wood

Best Female Performer

Jasmine Byrne Cindy Crawford Stormy Daniels jessica Drake Gianna Jenna Haze Kinzie Kenner Sunny Lane Tory Lane Hillary Scott Aurora Snow Mika Tan Taryn Thomas

That’s all folks. Another year behind us, twelve brand-new months on the horizon. Even with the ever-changing landscape of porn we can be assured that the new year will give us plenty to talk about. So long as porn companies sign and drop players like a single A baseball team, there will be comings and goings. I’ll be here to sift through it all, watch as many movies as possible and try my best to give you a guide as to what is worth watching and what to avoid. (Cliff’s Notes Version: In 2007, pick up anything by Mike John and avoid everything with Vivid-alt stamped on it.) Have a safe and happy new year everyone. See you in 07.