AVN awards predictions

So the nominations for the 2011 AVN awards came out recently and I've got my thoughts on the list that I thought I would share as we look toward the upcoming event, keep in mind that this is just one pervert's point of view.

Before we begin, let me give you all a brief run-down of what I'm doing here. I have my favorites and people/movies I am rooting for just like everyone else, but I also have to be fair so I'll be giving my official predictions and my own personal choices, not all of them will be the same.

As with my reviews, I welcome feedback. I am giving a few catagories, and telling you who I think will win as well as who I hope will win, along with an explanation. This is partially to get us in the spirit of the AVN's and partially a way to exercise my views on 2010 in porn.

So, let's get started...

BEST FEATURE

Who I think will win: Body Heat - Digital Playground

why: I feel that it really comes down to this one and Wicked's "Speed". While I think "Speed" could be a stronger feature, "Body Heat" has more star power. Riley Steele has had an excellent year, and Robby D. and company have of way of enchanting pornlovers in a way that I don't believe Brad Armstrong quite compares to.

Who I hope will win: Malice in Lalaland - Vivid/Ms Lucifer

Why: I thought this one had a nice little bit of eccentricity going for it. The star power of Sasha Grey, and the cool visual aspects of it just presented something that porn doesn't often go for: Style. I'd like to see this one win best feature simply because it would demonstrate the industry's readyness for evolution.

BEST GONZO RELEASE

Who I think will win: Buttwoman VS. Slutwoman - Elegant Angel

Why: The porn public is in love with Elegant Angel right now. You'll notice a theme throughout this blog about this. The star power of Performer of the Year nominees Kristina Rose and Alexis texas, coupled with the amazing directing capabilities of Mason should be more than enough incentive for the industry to give it the prize. Add on the current love affair the biz has with the studio, and I would assume it to be a strong bet.

Who I hope will win: Rocco's Psycho Love 2 - Evil Angel

Why: I reviewed this one, and honestly it is an excellent gonzo. Easily my favorite of the year so far. It just had a great bit of just about everything you could want in it. Rocco really delivered a surprise gem with this one.

MALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Who I think will win: Manuel Ferrara

Why: He is an excellent performer. Truly one of the best. Manuel's "Raw" Series is really popular, and he has had major scenes in most of the hottest movies of the year. He is Currently the Male Performer of the Year, and I just don't see anyone dethroning him.

Who I hope will win: Mick Blue

Why: Mick has had some great scenes this year. I think he is deserving of this award as much as Manuel, and he has really matched Manuel in everything I've seen him in this year. I don't think Mick gets enough credit, and I'd like to see him pick up the award this time around.

BEST NEW STARLET

Who I think and hope will win: Gracie Glam

Why: Gracie has really come a long way. I think she will win mostly because of her work with Elegant Angel. She is so gorgeous and lovable, and Elegant has made her the surprise 4th pick for their "Performers of the year 2011" movie. That practically seals the deal in my opinion. I would really love to see Katie St. Ives win this as well, but I feel that Gracie really is the best new Starlet of 2010.

FEMALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Who I think will win: Asa Akira

Why: I honestly feel that this is a 3 way toss-up between our current FPOTY Tori Black, Kristina Rose, and Asa Akira. I think Asa has the edge this year though because "Asa Akira is Insatiable" put her in a huge spotlight. Tori still has her "Pretty Filthy 2" which makes it a tough choice, but I really think Asa has something special going for her this year that will turn the tide in her favor. From the time "Invasion 4" came out until "Insatiable", she had a rather dramatic increase in popularity, and I think that will be the difference maker.

Who I hope will win: Kristina Rose

Why: I know that Asa, and Tori were 2 big parts of "Superstar September", but Kristina just delivers every single time. Kristina is an amazing performer and she has made the most of her minor performances as much as her major ones. She is such a lovable personality, and yet constantly makes her presence felt. She is easily the top box-cover babe of 2010, even if her facial expressions often give a negative vibe. I just really think Kristina deserves the award this year more than anyone else.

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR(BODY OF WORK)

Who I think and hope will win: Mason

Why: She has had the best year by far. From "Busty Lifeguards" to "Buttwoman VS. Slutwoman" and 3 out of the 4 "Superstar September" releases, Mason has just really dominated this year. I have come to like and respect Mason a great deal this year. Even though I'm not a fan of Elegant Angel, I think Mason is the Director of the Year beyond all others.

Well That's it! I hope you all enjoyed my take on the upcoming AVNs. This is just my perspective on the awards. For all I know my hopes and predictions could all be wrong. Feel free to send me feedback and may you all have a wonderful holiday season and a great 2011.

-Steve Ward