What began as a personal tradition in 2017—one year after I attended the AVN red carpet at the old Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas—has become an annual ritual I genuinely look forward to. Like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, I count down the days until AVN opens voting for the Fan Awards. Each year brings its own surprises, and this one was no exception, with several new categories and a few renamed along the way.
Out of the 23 Fan Award categories, I narrowed my focus to those that genuinely held my interest. Covering all of them would have been excessive, both in time and enthusiasm, so a bit of restraint felt like the smarter—and healthier—choice. My method for selecting favorites is admittedly unconventional: I organize nominees into a March-Madness-style tournament bracket and let them face off round by round.
That format comes with its own challenges. Strong favorites often collide early, forcing tough decisions long before the finals, but that tension is part of what makes the process enjoyable. It also keeps me honest, requiring thoughtful choices rather than easy or predictable picks.
At its core, the AVN Fan Awards are about appreciation and support. If you have a favorite performer, the best way to show it is by following their work, engaging with them on social media, and supporting their content directly. With that spirit in mind, and without further ado, here are my personal selections for the 2026 AVN Fan Awards.
FAVORITE ADULT PODCAST - INSIDE ONLYFANS & GIRLS ON PORN
It makes sense to start with an easy category: Favorite Adult Podcast, largely because I only subscribe to a handful. At the top of my list is Inside OnlyFans, hosted by the consistently entertaining CJ Sparxx and Kayla Lauren. The chemistry between the two anchors the show, but what really sets it apart is their lineup of guests—many of whom also appear among this year’s nominees. The podcast offers more than surface-level chatter; it provides insight into the OnlyFans ecosystem while giving listeners a genuine sense of who these creators are beyond their content. It’s an easy recommendation, especially if you’re staring down a long commute.
Another standout is Girls on Porn, co-hosted by Laura Ramadei and Rachel Napoleon. Their stated mission—to help listeners find “hot, ethical, just plain better porn for [their] spankbank”—is carried out with humor, curiosity, and surprising thoughtfulness. Each episode revolves around a specific search term, from “Spit Play” to “Milking Table,” which they unpack with equal parts candor and wit. While the subject matter is undeniably part of the appeal, what keeps me coming back is the hosts’ chemistry and their openness when talking about sex. The conversations feel natural, smart, and refreshingly unforced.
Both podcasts manage to be informative without feeling instructional, and entertaining without trying too hard—no small feat in this space.
FAVORITE BBW STAR - DANI VALENTINA
Dani Valentina is my top pick for Favorite BBW Star. This 33-year-old Latina stands out for her strong on-screen presence and a social media persona that feels both inviting and genuinely sensual. There’s an ease to her performances and public-facing content that makes her especially engaging—confident without trying too hard, and consistently enjoyable to watch.
Rounding out my Final Four were Jordan Love, Mazzaratie Monica, and Lily Lovely, each bringing their own appeal and loyal following. Still, Dani Valentina ultimately rose to the top for her balance of charm, confidence, and visibility across platforms, making her my clear favorite in this category.
FAVORITE CAM GIRL - EMMA STARSEED
This category is where my bracket system truly tested my resolve. Early on, I was forced to choose between two personal favorites: Emily Bloom and Emma Starseed—a matchup that felt unfair from the start. I’ll admit, I’ve developed a bit of a crush on Emma Starseed, and it’s not without reason. I selected her for Favorite Cam Girl last year as well, and her presence continues to stand out. She brings a natural confidence and warmth on camera that makes her easy to connect with, and in my view, she more than deserves recognition again.
Joining her in my Final Four were Olivia Wildin, Fiona, and Sabrina Nellie, each of whom made strong cases in their own right. Still, when the dust settled, Emma Starseed once again rose to the top—proof that consistency and connection matter just as much as novelty in this category.
FAVORITE COSPLAYER - RINCITY
If you’ve spent any time with this blog, you already know I have a deep appreciation for cosplay. That made this category both enjoyable and surprisingly challenging. More than once, I had to remind myself that Favorite Cosplayer isn’t just about girls having sex in a store-bought costume—it’s about creativity, craftsmanship, and the ability to infuse a costume with a touch of sensuality and maybe sex.
Ultimately, RinCity claimed the top spot. An exceptionally talented cosplayer and SuicideGirl, she consistently delivers imaginative designs that feel fully realized rather than purely performative. Her work strikes a balance between technical skill and visual allure that sets her apart.
Rounding out my Final Four were Cyberly Crush, Kristie Bish, and Sia Siberia, all of whom brought strong creativity and distinct styles to the bracket. Even so, RinCity’s originality and execution made her my clear favorite in this category.
FAVORITE FEMALE PORN STAR - OCTAVIA RED
Now we arrive at one of the most enjoyable—and time-consuming—categories: Favorite Female Porn Star. I’ll admit, this one took me longer than it probably should have, largely because I’m a genuine fan of so many of the nominees. Narrowing the field required more deliberation than expected, but after working through the bracket, one choice ultimately stood out.
The top spot goes to Octavia Red. At 29, she brings together beauty, charm, and a screen presence that feels effortless yet commanding. There’s an ease to her performances that makes them memorable, and that consistency is exactly why she earned my vote.
Rounding out my Final Four were Blake Blossom, Eva Sweet, and Angel Youngs—all strong contenders with devoted followings. Still, when the dust settled, Octavia Red rose above the rest, making her my clear favorite in this category.
FAVORITE MILF STAR - ELIZABETH SKYLARAs I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the Favorite MILF Star category—perhaps because I grew up watching many of these women build long, impressive careers. That familiarity made this bracket especially tough, as it often meant choosing one standout beauty over another.
This year, I took a slightly different approach. My top choice is Elizabeth Skylar, a striking 35-year-old who entered the industry in 2023. Despite being a relative newcomer, she brings a confidence and presence that immediately sets her apart, making her an easy pick for me in this category.
Rounding out my Final Four were Sophia Locke, Cory Chase, and Tanya Tate, all of whom remain strong favorites with enduring appeal. Even so, Elizabeth Skylar’s fresh energy and undeniable screen presence ultimately earned her the top spot.
FAVORITE MALE PORN STAR - MANUEL FERRARA
Male performers are far more than just a "stunt cock," and that distinction mattered to me when selecting Favorite Male Porn Star. Beyond the obvious attributes, I considered who these performers collaborate with, how they’re spoken about by peers on podcasts, and the reputations they’ve built within the industry. Chemistry, professionalism, and respect go a long way.
My top choice this year is the French-born Manuel Ferrara. While his body of work speaks for itself, what ultimately set him apart was his personality and the genuine admiration he receives from those he works with. Time and again, fellow performers describe him as generous, grounded, and deeply professional.
Rounding out my Final Four were Isiah Maxwell, Vince Karter, and Danny D., all strong contenders with distinct strengths. Still, Ferrara’s consistency, collaborative spirit, and enduring presence made him my clear favorite in this category.
FAVORITE PORN STAR CREATOR - GIA DERZA
Selecting Favorite Porn Star Creator proved to be one of the more challenging categories, largely because I follow so many creators who consistently deliver strong, engaging work. With that in mind, it felt only right to acknowledge a broader field of standouts before settling on a final choice.
My Elite Eight for this category includes Adriana Chechik, Sybil, Tru Kait, Gia Derza, Emma Hix, Serenity Cox, Violet Myers, and Mia Malkova—all creators who bring a distinct voice, vision, and level of consistency to their content. Each one made a compelling case as I worked through the bracket.
Ultimately, my decision came down to sustained output and how captivating that content remained over time. For that reason, Gia Derza earned the top spot. Her work is unapologetically bold and kinky, consistently engaging, and unmistakably her own, making her my clear favorite in this category.
FAVORITE TRANS PORN STAR - EMMA ROSE
The Favorite Trans Porn Star category required a more thoughtful approach, as it resonates with me on a personal level—I have a transgender daughter, and that connection naturally shaped how I approached my selections. With that in mind, I focused on performers whose presentation, confidence, and femininity felt authentic and fully realized.
Ultimately, my top choice was the stunning Emma Rose. She carries herself with elegance and assurance, and her presence consistently stands out in a way that feels both polished and genuine. That combination made her my clear favorite in this category.
Rounding out my Final Four were Aubrey Kate, Leah Hayes, and Andylynn Payne, all of whom brought strong performances and distinct appeal to the bracket. Still, Emma Rose’s poise and consistency ultimately set her apart.
HOTTEST STUDIO NEWCOMER - POLY YANGS
Either the performers are getting younger, or I’m simply getting older—but either way, Hottest Studio Newcomer proved to be a deceptively challenging category. The field was packed with young, striking talent, making it harder than expected to narrow things down to a single favorite.
In the end, my top choice was Polly Yangs, a 21-year-old, Russian-born blonde whose on-screen presence immediately stands out. There’s a confidence and intensity to her performances that makes them genuinely compelling, earning her the top spot in this category.
Rounding out my Final Four were Leya Desantis, Megan Longoria, and Lovely Lo, all of whom brought strong energy and promise as emerging talents. Still, Polly Yangs ultimately edged ahead, making her my pick for Hottest Studio Newcomer this year.
MOST AMAZING ASS - JADA STEVENS
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the female posterior, which made Most Amazing Ass a category I lingered over longer than most. I took my time with this bracket, carefully weighing each matchup to be sure the right contenders advanced. That deliberation led to a few early exits for favorites like Jessie Rogers and Abella Danger, both of whom were knocked out sooner than expected.
When the bracket finally settled, my top pick was Jada Stevens. At 37 and standing 5'2", she brings a combination of confidence, proportions, and presence that makes her stand out in this category. Her appeal is undeniable, and she ultimately earned the top spot.
Rounding out my Final Four were Zoe Neli, Kelsi Monroe, and Anna Claire Clouds, all strong contenders who made this one of the tougher decisions overall. Still, Jada Stevens emerged as my clear favorite after a thorough—and enjoyable—run through the bracket.
MOST SPECTACULAR BOOBS - MIA MALKOVA
I’ll be honest—larger breasts have never really been my personal preference, which makes this category somewhat ironic given that my wife recently went from a 34B to a 34DD. That contrast shaped how I approached Most Spectacular Boobs this year. Rather than focusing on size alone, I paid closer attention to whether the breasts were natural, and if enhanced, how balanced and natural the results appeared.
That perspective ultimately led me to Mia Malkova. I remember when she first entered the industry with a smaller, natural figure, and seeing how she’s evolved over the past 12 years has been striking. Her enhancements look exceptionally well done—proportionate, polished, and complementary to her overall presence—which is why she earned the top spot in my bracket.
Rounding out my Final Four were Blake Blossom, Lily Starfire, and Angela White, each of whom brought their own strengths and appeal to the category. Still, Mia Malkova’s transformation and confident presentation ultimately set her apart, making her my clear favorite here.
UNSUNG HERO - MADI COLLINS
The next category, Unsung Darlings, shines a light on performers who have built loyal followings but haven’t yet received major industry recognition. With that spirit in mind, my top choice was Madi Collins, a petite 27-year-old redhead who has cultivated a devoted fan base drawn to her playfulness and natural charm. There’s an ease and warmth to her presence that resonates with audiences and makes her feel genuinely under-appreciated.
Rounding out my Final Four were Erin Everheart, Selena Love, and Chloe Surreal, all of whom have carved out their own strong followings and brought distinct appeal to the bracket. Still, Madi Collins ultimately stood out for the consistency of her connection with fans, earning her my pick in this category.
INDEPENDENT FEMALE CREATOR - STELLA BAREY
The final category, Independent Female Creator, recognizes performers who take full ownership of their work—producing, distributing, and managing their own content on their own terms. Because this category celebrates both creativity and entrepreneurship, it felt important to acknowledge more than just a single standout.
With that in mind, my Elite Eight includes Bonnie Blue, Kera Bear, Brook Logan, Dainty Wilder, Sweetie Fox, Waifu, Violet Brandani, and Stella Barey. Each of these creators has built a distinct brand and sustained a meaningful connection with their audience through consistency and authenticity.
Ultimately, Stella Barey claimed the top spot for me. Her content remains engaging and playful, and she has a knack for keeping things fresh while maintaining a strong sense of charm. That combination—steady output paired with genuine personality—is what makes her especially compelling and why she earned my pick in this category.
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Sources, including photos:
Babepedia, Instagram, X, AVN
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