LOS ANGELES — Wicked Pictures has announced a number of XBIZ Awards in the major film categories.
Topping the list was studio director Brad Armstrong’s film “Underworld” that grabbed both Feature Movie of the Year, and Director of the Year – Feature Release.
The movie went on to receive honors in a quartet of technical areas including Best Cinematography, Art Direction, Best Editing and Best Special Effects.
European producer Marc Dorcel, whose work Wicked has distributed in the U.S. for more than 15 years, snared several of the evening’s most prestigious awards as well, including European Studio of the Year, European Feature Release of the Year (for “Claire Castel, The Chambermaid”), European Director of the Year (Herve Bodilis), and Specialty Release of the Year for “Kama Sutra.”
Wicked said its continuing commitment to erotica for women was also acknowledged with wins in such areas as Best Actor — Couples-Themed Release (Derrick Pierce,“Tuff Love”) and Best Scene — Couples-Themed Release (Madison Ivy and Mick Blue for Jonathan Morgan’s “Hotel No Tell”).
"While it’s true that it is an honor just to be nominated, there’s no denying winning is more enjoyable. That said, we continue to be thrilled with the recognition that “Underworld” is receiving,” Wicked Pictures President and owner Steve Orenstein, said.
Orenstein added that having both Armstrong and newly signed director Axel Braun win director of the year in their respective categories starts 2014 on a high note. “We are also very happy to win awards specifically for the sex scenes. It’s nice to see that the presence of a condom can be looked past, and that a strong scene is still a strong scene."
Photo of "Underworld" cast & crew in Backstage Winner's Circle by Jeff Koga.
