CHATSWORTH, Calif. – With nearly 2,000 nominees in 130 categories, the AVN Media Network’s 2015 awards shows are shaping up to be the grandest—and largest—yet.
The half-dozen people, products, retailers and distributors, movies and websites not nominated this year belong to a club made elite by its tiny membership.
Those nominated are an elite group, as well. For more than 30 years, the AVN Awards have been the gold standard by which pornographic and erotic entertainment are judged. The O Awards, which recognize excellence in the adult novelties end of the business, joined the party about a decade ago.
Nominees for both awards were announced Nov. 20 during a gala party at Lure nightclub in Hollywood, Calif. The celebration marked the first time AVN Media Network announced its nominees at a public event.
“This year we wanted to do something different to mark the announcement of the nominations,” said AVN Media Network Chief Executive Officer Theo Sapoutzis. “Also, a gala party in Hollywood where we could toast the nominees seemed like a festive way to kick off the holiday season.”
Nominating committees spent a month and a half sifting through pre-nominations submitted by industry members in order to compile the list.
“It’s an exhausting process,” said AVN magazine Editor-in-Chief Sharan Street. “Our committee members are strongly committed to the process, and we all consider it a privilege to participate in this endeavor to applaud the best work created by our colleagues in this industry. These talented individuals don’t get the recognition they deserve from the mainstream entertainment community.”
Added AVN Senior Editor Peter Warren, “I could not be more proud of the work our incredibly passionate team put into this mighty task over the past six weeks. On behalf of them all, I offer the heartiest congratulations to everybody who received a nod for their own exceptional work this year.”
The AVN Awards Show will take place Jan. 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. A complete list of AVN Awards nominees is available here. The O Awards will be presented Jan. 22 during a gala ceremony at the same venue. A complete list of O Awards nominees is here.
