LOS ANGELES — The X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) has announced the Hall of Fame Class for the 2016 XRCO Awards, to be held in Hollywood on Jun. 22.
The Hall of Fame Class includes AFD Jeff Vanzetti for Special Award, Don Houston for 5th Estate, Raven Touchstone for Creator, Steve Hirsch and Steve Orenstein for Special Award, Constance Money for Film Pioneer, Hillary Scott and Briana Banks for Actress, and Mason and Joanna Angel for Director.
"Every year, we have a number of worthy names up for consideration," said XRCO Chairman Dirty Bob. "So many people have contributed to the industry over the years, and a new crop that becomes eligible every year. Narrowing it down is never easy. This year's class is very special in that it honors our history while recognizing the tremendous changes we have experienced as we look towards a bright future."
Hirsh and Orenstein helped establish the contract star model that made Ginger Lynn, Jenna Jameson, Christy Canyon, jessica drake, Jen Teal, Serenity and countless others famous. And Banks, who recently returned to performing, was a beneficiary of that model as well.
Money, a veteran of the Golden Age of Adult Films, was featured in 27 films from 1975-1983, including "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" and "Barbara Broadcast."
XRCO described Scott as "one of the most prolific adult starlets of the early '00's." Her performance at the 2006 XRCO Awards was a tribute to her overall appeal: she took home a record-setting five XRCO Awards, including Female Performer of the Year and, for the film "Corruption," Best Actress.
"Hillary Scott's 2006 XRCO Awards haul was unprecedented," said XRCO member Roger T. Pipe. "A clean sweep in the five individual categories she was nominated in and another two for her movie 'Corruption.' I doubt we will ever see a single performer take home that many trophies in one shot again."
A pair of trailblazing directors also enter the Hall of Fame this year. Mason and Joanna Angel join Candida Royale and Suze Randal as the only female directors to achieve this honor. XRCO said, "Defying conventional wisdom that female-directed porn is softer than porn by their male counterparts, both women prove that their porn can be as hot, nasty and filthy as anything a man can dream up."
Since entering the industry in 2002, Mason has directed over 160 titles, mostly for Elegant Angel and Hard X. A favorite with her female stars, Mason has become well known for her hard-edged sex scenes and beautifully-shot tease sequences as well as the star showcases which have become career-defining efforts for many of her leading ladies.
Angel has more than 240 titles to her credit. XRCO said, "Her good looks, outgoing personality and intense sexual energy have made her a fan favorite for over a decade..... Shooting fresh female talent often with more tattoos than the average porn girl and focusing on new music, Joanna and Burning Angel ushered in a new esthetic with their distinctive style."
"Joanna's career has been exceptional in every regard," Dirty Bob said. "She is a popular and dynamic performer, a skilled director and has created a brand that is truly her own. She is someone we all love, and are very proud to call part of our industry."
Don Houston joins the Hall of Fame as a member of the 5th estate. Writing primarily for XCritic.com, Houston is one of the most read and widely respected critics in the industry.
Entering the Hall of Fame in the Special Award category is Jeff Vanzetti and IAFD.com. The Internet Adult Film Database houses information on nearly 200,000 XXX titles and over 150,000 performers. The site has been premier resource for all things adult for more than two decades. It is the go-to place for fans to look up their favorite stars or find reviews of movies or scenes. Jeff Vanzetti is the man in charge of making IAFD.com run and, XRCO said, "is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts and contributions to the industry."
For more information on XRCO, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter.
