The X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) held its 26th Annual Awards show on April 29 in Hollywood, with Nikki Benz, Lisa Ann, and Sean Michaels serving as hosts at The Highlands nightclub. The event honored industry professionals and performers, marking the organization's 26th year.

Awards Ceremony Highlights

The 26th Annual XRCO Awards took place at The Highlands nightclub in Hollywood, California, on April 29. The event saw stars and industry professionals gather to celebrate achievements within the adult industry. Bobbi Starr, a show presenter and gonzo star, was a notable winner, receiving two awards for Superslut and Orgasmic Oralist. Starr had also won for Superslut in the previous year. Other multiple studio awards went to Elegant Angel, X-Play, LFP Video, and Wicked Pictures. The Best POV movie category resulted in a tie.

XRCO organizer Dirty Bob commented on the unique nature of the XRCO Awards, stating that it is "strictly an industry-based event rather than like all of the others which are mostly fan-based." He described it as "a party for the industry where (once beyond the Red Carpet are, naturally) they can relax, be themselves, and hang out and enjoy the evening without having to put on a public face." Dirty Bob also acknowledged the co-hosts, Sean Michaels, Lisa Ann, and Nikki Benz, as "an added draw" who were "hand picked for their industry appeal and popularity." Trophy girls Chanel Preston and Angel Vain were also mentioned for keeping "things lively and fun."

Alec Helmy, XBIZ President and Publisher, noted the high concentration of leading adult entertainment performers at the event. Bobbi Starr expressed her appreciation for XRCO, stating that it "offers a service that supports the stars." Upon receiving her second XRCO plaque, Starr exclaimed, "I never thought I'd win, no less two awards!"

Hosting Duties and Preparations

Nikki Benz, Lisa Ann, and Sean Michaels were announced as the hosts for the 26th XRCO Awards on February 17, 2010. The event was held at The Highlands nightclub in Hollywood. This year's show marked the 26th XRCO Awards, and organizers aimed to make it a spectacular event following the previous year's silver anniversary show. XRCO's Dirty Bob stated that "last year’s show was a huge success," and that "we knew we needed something special to kick off our next 25 years." He added that inviting "two of the industry’s leading ladies in Nikki Benz and Lisa Ann and have them flank one of the biggest, in more ways than one, male performers: XRCO Hall of Famer Sean Michaels" was a way to achieve this.

Nikki Benz, born December 11, 1981, is a Canadian pornographic actress and Penthouse Pet. She was selected as the Penthouse Pet of the Month for April 2010 and was also the magazine's cover girl and feature in the May 2008 issue. Benz resides in Los Angeles, California. She entered the adult film industry by contacting an adult film director shortly before her 21st birthday. She signed with Pleasure Productions in January 2003, making her first on-screen sex scene in Strap On Sally 20 with Gina Lynn, and her first boy-girl scene with Ben English in The Sweetest Thing. After completing her contract, Benz moved to Los Angeles and signed with Jill Kelly Productions in September 2004. Benz signed a contract with TeraVision in September 2005. She has been featured in magazines including Penthouse, High Society, Genesis, Fox, OUI, Cheri, Hustler, Club, and Club International. Benz hosted a show on KSEX called Contract Superstars alongside Lacie Heart, Ashley Steele, Stormy Daniels, and Tyler Faith, but quit due to "time constraints."

Karen Stagliano of Evil Angel described Sean Michaels as "a true legend in this business," noting that "he's incredibly poised, suave, and well-spoken." Evil Angel's Buttman Magazine Choice is the distributor for Michaels. Dirty Bob referred to Michaels as an "XRCO Hall of Famer."

Industry Recognition

The XRCO Awards are presented by the X-Rated Critics Organization. The event is designed to honor the best in the adult industry, as noted by Nikki Benz, who stated she was "so honored to be chosen as one of the hostesses" on a night "where the top journalists in our industry honor the very best." Dirty Bob also extended thanks "to all of the X-Rated critics out there who make this event, and the XRCO, still a commanding presence after 26 years!"

Key Facts

  • The 26th Annual XRCO Awards were held on April 29, 2010.
  • The event took place at The Highlands nightclub in Hollywood.
  • Nikki Benz, Lisa Ann, and Sean Michaels served as hosts.
  • Bobbi Starr won two awards: Superslut and Orgasmic Oralist.
  • Elegant Angel, X-Play, LFP Video, and Wicked Pictures received multiple studio awards.
  • Dirty Bob, an XRCO organizer, described the event as "strictly an industry-based event."