Creative Arts Emmys Spotlight Docs With Roots in Adult Industry

Creative Arts Emmys Spotlight Docs With Roots in Adult Industry

LOS ANGELES — Two acclaimed, Emmy-nominated documentaries with roots in the adult industry took the spotlight Monday during the first of a multi-night series of virtual 2020 Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies.

Mark Lewis was awarded an Emmy statuette in the category of Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program for "Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer." The Netflix docu-series explores one of Canada’s most infamous crimes: the 2012 murder of Lin Jun by Luka Magnotta, who briefly worked as a stripper and adult performer.

Magnotta fled to Europe and was eventually apprehended in a Berlin internet café; in 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison.

"With its deconstruction of the psyche of an internet killer, 'Don't F**k with Cats' is one of the most compelling true crime docuseries that has been produced by Netflix to date," said Salon.com in its review, while Decider.com said the series provides "a fascinating look at how ordinary people can root out a killer using the same internet tools that are available to everyone."

A second documentary — one with a warm focus on the adult retail sector — was nominated in the same category: "Circus of Books," whose director Rachel Mason and co-writer Kathryn Robson were nominees.

That film tells the story of Karen and Barry Mason and their legendary West Hollywood retail outlet, which holds a seminal position in the history of adult entertainment in Los Angeles. The Masons elected to close Circus of Books and retire in early 2019. Rachel Mason revived its legacy with the doc, which toured the festival circuit, and an art exhibition at the Fierman Gallery in New York.

Netflix acquired worldwide rights to the film with Ryan Murphy boarding as executive producer. The film was among the 2020 Dorian Awards nominees for Best LGBTQ Documentary of the Year.

Rachel Mason spoke to XBIZ about the film's popularity — “Who knew the whole world cared about gay porn as much as we do?” she exclaimed — her family and the Circus of Books legacy (today, it is the location of Chi Chi LaRue's Circus, the second West Hollywood location for the boutique retailer).

Image source: Emmys Twitter

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Elegant Angel Drops Final Installment of 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has released the final installment of 2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell's showcase “Lilly Loves Girls,” titled “Lilly Loves Vanna.”

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Ivy Lebelle Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Ricky's Room contract star Ivy Lebelle stars in the studio's latest release, titled "Latex And Lust."

Tifa Quinn Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Tifa Quinn has made her Brazzers debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the studio's latest release, titled "Boxed and Bound."

Angie Faith Performs Her 1st Anal in 2nd Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Vixen Media Group exclusive Angie Faith has performed her first anal scene alongside Jason Luv in the second installment of studio imprint Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

Andi Avalon Makes Her Bellesa House Debut

Andi Avalon has made her debut alongside Brad Newman in the latest scene from Bellesa House.

Playboy to Move Global HQ to Miami Beach

Playboy announced today that it will be moving its global corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to Miami Beach.

Elegant Angel Showcase 'Kenna James Is Slutwoman' Premieres

2022 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Kenna James takes on the role of "Slutwoman" in the latest iteration of Elegant Angel's signature showcase series.

Sarah Arabic, Jennifer White & GoGo Zombi Star in Latest From Brazzers

Sarah Arabic, Jennifer White, and GoGo Zombi star with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Brazzers, “Chasing That Big D…Again!”

Zariah Aura Toplines 'TS Cheaters 7' From TransSensual

Zariah Aura headlines the seventh volume of “TS Cheaters” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Show More