Maitland Ward has found herself on the XBIZ Award shortlist with a pair of nominations that celebrate the industry superstar’s first forays into writing and directing her very own films.

Ward’s directorial debut from Tushy, Casting Couch, was nominated for Featurette of the Year, and her follow-up release from Blacked, Fame, picked up a nod for Best Sex Scene-Vignette for her scorching onscreen work with Isiah Maxwell.

“I am so happy that the first two scenes that I wrote and directed on my own have both been nominated for XBIZ Awards, so BIG thanks to the team at XBIZ for acknowledging my creative work as a filmmaker,” said Ward of the honor.

“I’ve been eyeing the director’s chair, and the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and test my abilities behind the camera, for a while now, and I’m so glad that I finally took the leap. I’ve also really enjoyed weaving bits of my many Hollywood experiences into these films. It’s been a blast – like riding a rollercoaster, but with more cameras and less screaming.”

Follow Maitland Ward on Twitter at @maitlandward.