XRCO AWARDS 2003
Though it lacked some of the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards, the 19th annual XRCO (X-Rated Critics Organization) brought out the bold and beautiful from Porn Valley. The downtown Los Angeles venue was home to the star-studded event that had it all, right down to the red carpet entrance with the blinding flash of cameras as journalists snapped pictures of the arriving starlets. Of course, the cameras weren’t the only things flashing as most of the women were more than happy to show off more than their designer gowns.
The XRCO is the last of porn’s award shows and features a number of categories that are overlooked when AVN passes out their awards in January. Recognizing performers in categories like “Unsung Siren”, “Orgasmic Oralist” & “Superslut,” the XRCO is able to mix critical acclaim with fan appeal for a more complete awards slate. In addition to these awards, the XRCO hands out the expected hardware to Male and Female Performer of the Year, Best Film, Best Video and Worst Movie of the Year.
Mistress of ceremonies and last year’s big winner, Jewel De’Nyle kicked off the show by handing out the Orgasmic Analist award to Belladonna. It was the first Bella’s first win of the night, but would not be her last. She beat out a loaded field with such notable anal demons as Layla Jade, Bridgette Kerkove and Aurora Snow. The Orgasmic Oralist award went to Kaylynn for the second consecutive year. Like Bella, Kaylynn also beat out a very talented field and has certainly earned her reputation over the past few years as porn’s top sucker.
Perhaps the most confusing award of the night is the Cream Dream. No one is really sure what makes one creamy, but considering all of the girls are fresh, new and young looking, they probably choose it because it sounds better than Teen Dream. Although both Gauge and Jenna Haze were nominated for a second straight year, Ashley Blue pulled off a bit of a surprise by taking home the award. Ashley is cute and so freaking sex-crazed that it’s almost scary sometimes, so she is certainly deserving of recognition.
The acting awards kicked off the big night for Evil Angel’s “Fashionistas” as Rocco Siffredi and Belladonna each took home awards for their roles in the film. Rocco was not on hand to pick up his award, but Bella was back up and on her way to wearing out a path between her seat and the stage. The awards had to feel satisfying to the young brunette. Just a few months ago, Bella was taking heat from industry insiders for some comments she made to Dianne Sawyer on “Primetime Live.” That interview even became microphone fodder for Jeremy Stone after Bella gave a very short acceptance speech.
One of last year’s big winners was Aurora Snow. She cleaned up at this year’s AVN Awards and was nominated in several categories by the XRCO as well. Her only win came with Jules Jordan and Gauge for the best Threeway Sex Scene in Jordan’s “Trained Teens 2.” Best All-Girl sex scene brought us another win for Belladonna and for “Fashionistas” as the Bella/Taylor St.Claire veg-fest took home top honors.
The Unsung categories are unique to the XRCO and are reserved for those dependable performers who make the porn world go-round and just don’t get enough recognition. This year’s female nominees were mostly newer girls and Olivia Saint took home the top prize. The male nominees included industry vets like Rodney Moore, but Brandon Iron was the very deserving winner in this category.
Jules Jordan won last year as Best Director and took home the Best Gonzo Series award this year for his “Flesh Hunter” movies. It was the second win for Jordan, adding to his already crowded trophy case. Catalina proved to be a raincoat favorite and took home the Superslut award. As if to prove just how ready she was, Catalina accepted her award naked, showing off a now-inflated set of boobs.
Building on the already great night “Fashionistas” was having, the movie took home awards for Best Group Scene and Best Male-Female Scene, giving it a clean sweep of the sex scene awards. (I would bet big money that this has never happened before.)
There was a long Hall of Fame induction portion of the evening as five members of the adult community were added to the XRCO hall. Andrew Blake, Susie Bright, Ashlyn Gere, Tiffany Mynx and Randy Spears were the honored inductees. Tiffany’s speech was moving and perfect. If those tears weren’t genuine, then someone give her an award for best actress for next year.
After giving out the award for Worst Movie of the Year to “You’re Never Too Old to Gangbang” and for Best DVD to “Euphoria”, it was time to get to the big six.
Carmen Luvana took home the Starlet of the Year award, pulling off a bit of an upset over Jenna Haze. Erik Everhard unseated Lexington Steele as Best Male Performer. The two will have fun chasing the award next year now that they are both signed to new deals with Red Light District.
Director John Stagliano collected the award for Best Director. The award is given based on a body of work, but “Fashionistas” played a huge part in the win for Stagliano.
Belladonna rode the “Fashionistas” wave to crown her outstanding year with the Best Female Performer award.
The title changed, but the company stayed the same as Evil Angel’s “Ass Collector” was named Video of the Year. Director Rocco Siffredi was not on hand to collect this, or any of his performing awards, so they stacked up in the center of the table. “Fashionistas” won Best Film, completing a video/film sweep by Evil Angel for the first time in recent history.
At just over two hours, the XRCO show itself moved along pretty quickly and everyone seemed to have a great time. Though some left empty handed, most people went away with a smile. Many performers stayed afterwards to pose in the VIP room and dance the night away. With the final awards show of the season behind us, we can all put away our nice clothes and go back to the jeans & T-shirt world we know and love.
