Maitland Ward Named Host of 2022 XBIZ Awards

Maitland Ward Named Host of 2022 XBIZ Awards

LOS ANGELES — Maitland Ward has a timeless stardom that transcends legacy with larger-than-life grandeur. As the first performer to ever grace the entire cover of XBIZ magazine, she now ascends to even greater heights as host of the XBIZ Awards, the adult industry’s biggest night, presented by ManyVids on Jan. 9 at the historic Hollywood Palladium.

"I am beyond thrilled and honored that I’m hosting the XBIZ Awards this year,” Ward enthused. “This return to in-person events is not only exciting because it highlights and celebrates the immense talents of our industry, but it also serves to showcase them to the mainstream industry right in the heart of Hollywood.”

From an early age, L.A. native Ward was active in theater and devoted to her craft, landing recurring television roles in popular ‘90s soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful” and iconic coming-of-age series “Boy Meets World.” She even graced the silver screen in the Wayans Brothers comedy flick “White Chicks,” then began writing scripts and screenplays with years spent in New York City workshops and UCLA studies.

By the 2010s, Ward was ready for a fresh chapter; feeling more self-assured than ever before, she started dabbling in sexy cosplay. To her surprise, a fast-growing audience of avid geeks, adult entertainment fans and tabloids flocked to her every move with increasing interest, as she pushed the limits at mainstream conventions and developed an increasingly captivating presence. 

With publicists and so-called career experts warning her against such a pivot to initially just scantily-clad, then nude, then hardcore, she nonetheless charged forward with devil-may-care positivity. And it paid off, because her fan base skyrocketed with an insatiable appetite for all things sexy.

As buzz grew, she was approached by Vixen Media Group, leading to her first-ever major adult studio work in 2019. The rest is history, with star turns in award-winning titles and Best Actress wins aplenty, a fresh contract, as well as a potent dynamic with thrice-crowned XBIZ “Director of the Year” Kayden Kross on blockbuster titles like “Drive,” “Muse” and “Mistress Maitland.”

This past year has only exponentially magnified her notoriety, as she scored a mainstream TV pilot, a sex toy deal and landed a book deal for a memoir. Her metrics on social media also offer testament to her star power, with millions of followers across top platforms. Now, she is adding another feather to her cap, taking the grand stage at the 20th annual XBIZ Awards.

“I look forward to a night of real Hollywood glamour and seeing the adult industry up there in lights,” Ward concluded. “And I just can’t wait to see everyone!"

Stay tuned to XBIZ.com for event updates.

Maitland

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

Octavia Red Stars in Latest From Deeper

Octavia Red stars with Manuel Ferrera in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled “She Done Him Wrong.”

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Sarah Arabic, Vicki Chase Topline Dorcel's 'The Next Step'

Sarah Arabic and Vicki Chase star with multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “The Next Step.”

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Plaiir has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Sabien DeMonia to Drop 'Sabien Ass Fuck'

Evil Angel has announced “Sabien Ass Fuck,” the first title from director/performer Sabien DeMonia.

FSC Issues Guidance on Kansas Age Verification Suits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an advisory article for adult websites operating in Kansas, following several private lawsuits filed under the state's age verification law.

Bree Mills on Directing 'Escape From Camp Conversion' for Adult Time's Girlcore Banner

Bree Mills was out running one day when the title of her next movie came to her: "Escape From Camp Conversion." The chief creative officer of Adult Time had been thinking about how to combine her love for queer cinema and lesbian pulp fiction with the distinct aesthetic of the 1980s.

Ricky's Room Signs Willow Ryder to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Willow Ryder to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Ariel Demure Headlines 'TS Chronicles' From TransSensual

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure toplines “TS Chronicles” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Show More