GayVN Awards: A Closer Look Part 4
We've reached the final part of our look at this year's GayVN Awards nominations which are taking place in SF on March 28. We still don't know whether we'll be able to attend but if we due we'll be sure and give you full report on all the drama--and there will be some. After all Janice Dickinson, Alec Mapa, and Margaret Cho are hosting!
We admit that we can't make completely well-informed critical choices on some of the other special genre categories (we simply haven't seen most of them), but we can make some predictions.
Best Twink Film.
We've only seen two of the flicks here but Brent Corrigan would seem to have the inside track here with his Prodigy Pictures videos in contention. If they don't split the votes we'd give it to Brent Corrigan's Summit (just because his name is in the title). If awards were given on title choices, we'd pick The Twink Whisperer.
Best Solo Film.
Again we've seen only a few of these nominated flicks but name recognition should give the edge to Bang Bang Boys, Dirk Yates, and Colt of course. If voters have muscles on their mind, Colt will win.
Best Sex Comedy.
This category is a lot tougher to figure out than we first realized. Some of these have comedic moments but it's really hard to think of any of them as all-out comedy. Then again, it's probably unwise to do a sex flick that's a laugh riot. Jacking off and laughing at the same time seems impossible, like sneezing with your eyes open. All the nominees in this category deserve their place here, but our fave is Paging Dr Finger from Hot House. There are some really clever moments here that make it witty AND sexy.
Best Pro/Am Film.
Those lines between pro and amateur have certainly blurred a lot in the last couple years as evidenced by the number of nominees here. We really like the Jocks Road Trip series, Collin O'Neal's World of Men so these are at the top of our list of choices along with Brent Corrigan's Summit. Lucas Entertainment's Auditions series seems more "am" than "pro" but it's always a great showcase for newcomers. Personally there was a very hot scene in Collin O'Neal's Serbia with Roman Ragazzi that shot it to the top of our list. Our opinions aside it's anyone's game here.
Best Leather Film
Leather films seem to have it made. They can be nominated in a number of categories AND they get a category of their own. When we watch a leather flick we are somewhat on the outside looking in so perhaps we aren't the best at determining which of the nominees is superior it the genre. However, a good flick is still a good flick and we can make a decision based on that criteria. It was a little long but the Verboten two-parter series was damn hot; Big Bigger Biggest lived up to its name; and Folsom Undercover was a worthy addition to this series. We liked Verboten of the three but it's likely that Folsom Undercover will triumph.
Best Fetish Film
Here's where we're really on the outside looking in. That said we admire the daring of Raging Stallion to do a whole video on Sounding and the studio's ability to market Grunts one more time . It's interesting that Folsom Undercover & Folsom Prison are BOTH nominated here, but we preferred the prison flick. It had a few more memorable scenes for us.
Best HD Feature
Okay, we haven't yet seen a high-def porn flick so we can't really offer an opinion here. However, we can say what we'd have liked to have seen in HD. Titan's outdoor flicks would be hot to see (Breakers & Copperhead Canyon) but we really have a hankering to see the lushly photographed Black Scorpion flicks (Cuma Sutra & Sex Hiker).
Best Foreign Release.
This is really a diverse collection so it's hard to compare them all. But we're going with out gut reaction and picking Italians and Other Strangers from Lucas Kazan.
Best Ethnic-Themed Film
Blackballed 6: Under the Hood had a stunning collection of hot guys and was non-stop action as it proved once again why this series is so good. Our pick hands down.
Best Ethnic-Themed Film - Latin
It was so refreshing to see Roman Heart with a whole new crop of guys that Roman's Holiday really stood out. But AMG Brasil never disappoints either so we think the award will go to Rio.
Best Classic DVD.
Talk about apples & oranges. The classics may be rough around the edges but they all hold up in terms of powerful raw sexuality. We couldn't decide on any of them and wish all could win, but we're betting on Colt.
Best Bisexual Film
No pick for us here although we predict that Shifting Gears from All Worlds with its "straight for pay" rep to win.
Best Bear Film.
The definition of a bear is pretty varied so you get a mixed bag here. Thus it's hard to say which if any of this nominees is the most representative of the genre. We DID see Centurion Muscle 5: Maximus and we liked it for its raw power. But is it a "bear" flick? No prediction here.
Best Amateur Film.
Whew! Here we have our work cut out for us. We follow several of the sites who put out these video compilations and each are good in their own way. For us it's between Next Door Male's solo jack off and Chaos Men's Edge series. We have to give the edge to Edge (sorry, had to say it). These are always well shot, sexy, and kinky hot.
Best Alternative Release
Another fascinating crop of choices. In terms of good filmmaking we preferred Wrangler & Eeverything You Wanted to Know About Gay Porn Stars But Were Afraid to Ask! They provide historical bookends to the gay porn biz and how show how much things have changed. Everything.. will probably win.
Best All-Sex Film.
Well, when all is said and done it really is all about sex, isn't it? This category should actually be pretty strict in terms of its criteria of being "all sex" and no story and little dialog but it's not always the case. Blackballed 6 and Funhouse do have a plot set up. But both are so good we can overlook this. There are number of other winners too. The 4th Floor had a lot of energy and kept it going. Trunks 5 was perhaps the best in the series. But our pick has to go to Blue Movie. It definitely is a standout stylistically but it never lets its artistic ambitions intrude on or distract from the sex scenes. We'd love to see this win.
Best Fetish Performer
We think all these guys bring their own style to fetish flicks we think there is only one who puts himself out there without inhibition on a consistent basis. That's Tober Brandt.
Best Newcomer
Oh man. This is really almost impossible thanks to the number of nominees and their diversity. Some of these guys started out on websites so they don't seem like newcomers to us. Ross Hurston, Damian Rios, Kaden Saylor, Aaron James, and David Dakota come to mind. Some of the guys here we grew to like on film and off--we loved RJ Danvers blog and his interest in comics. Jackson Wild impressed us with his acting and versatility. And truthfully we love all these guys on the list but the one for whom we went gaga over right from the start is Kyle King. He's just got that indefinable quality that we like. We'd love to see him win but anyone on the list could and should take home the prize.
Best Top
This was certainly an interesting assortment of nominees. Some are all-out, hard-driving tops that love to dominate. Others are more the versatile types that have been on the bottom and so have their own idea of how to please. There are also big-dick tops who don't have to do much more than whip out their talent to get a guy to bottom for them. For sheer size Barrett Long is on the list. He's also learned how to emote more which is good. D.O. is the quiet seductive lover type of top. The guys who stand out on the list are Ricky Sinz, Diesel Washington, Tyler Saint, and Chad Hunt. They have no qualms about showing who is boss. It was a tough choice but Diesel Washington is our pick for seeming to have all the good top qualities and a few acrobatic moves that only he can do.
Best Bottom
Again another diverse group. In many ways, bottoms have a harder job. They have to do more than just lie there and take it. Often these guys have to emote more and be just as aggressive as their tops. Some guys really get into into like Roman Heart, Brent Corrigan, Zack Randall, and Kurt Wild. There are other like Jason Crew & Alexy Tyler that are less emotional but who still let us feel what they're feeling. Our pick is the guy that seems to embody many good bottom traits: Blake Riley.
Best Supporting Actor
The operative word for this category is "actor" so we kept that in mind. Yes, many of these guys here gave good sexual performances but there were a select few that were more convincing with their lines and becoming their respective characters. Vinnie D'Angelo, Jake Deckard, Trevor Knight,& Scott Tanner stood out to us although some didn't fit the "supporting" category. D'Angelo was very convincing as the closeted mountain man who gives in to Logan McCree. Jack Deckard got our hearts going pitty-pat as the sensitive cowboy. Scott Tanner seemed like a natural, as Jake's brother who slowly witnesses his world crumbling. Trevor Knight was remarkably restrained and believable in Endgame.
For us it's a toss-up between these four.
Best Actor - Foreign Release
We have to be honest here. All these guys are all quite good--sexy and believable but our heart belongs to Julian Vincenzo.
Best Actor
Just as with the supporting category there were guys that simply stood out. All the guys here were memorable and convincing but our picks just gave it a bit more. D.O. could easily just rely on his looks and we'd be happy. But he can also seduce with his whole bod. That Brit accent sure helps to make Ross Hurston sound like he's doing Shakespeare. Our top three are Logan McCree, Ricky Sinz, and Chad Hunt. McCree and Hunt played it sensitive which was very effective. Hunt though really stood out in a role which really was a departure for him. Then there's that darn Ricky Sinz. He really relishes the villain role and yet makes his character's amorality seem perfectly reasonable. Any of these three could win and we'd be pleased but Sinz looks like the guy to beat.
Performer of the Year
Again, a tough one--taking a guy's whole body of work from one year and comparing it to others. Do you judge on how good each movie was? How an individual has improved? Do you consider the number of performances? All the guys here in this category had more than one standout role. Our faves include Steve Cruz, Logan McCree, Scott Tanner, Diesel Washington, and Ricky Sinz and picking a winner was impossible---none of us here at Jack Manly could agree. That said, it's likely that Sinz will win once again.
Best Director
To us, all of these nominees are winners because they all make a genuine effort. They don't lose sight of the fact that this is porn after all, but many seem to want to do something that stands out and has staying power. Some get more creative and artistic than others. Our personal faves include Jett Blakk, Steve Cruz & Leif Gobo, Jake Deckard, Joe Gage, Mike Donner, and the team of Chris Ward, Ben Leon and Tony Dimarco. It seems very likely that they will win but our other favorites deserve kudos too. Jett Blakk is an incomparable auteur who shows his love for film and still makes it hot. Joe Gage proves that if you're talented you can continue working and turning out stuff that seems fresh and new. Jake Deckard proves that smart sexy guys can be standouts in front of and behind the camera. Steve Cruz revealed a creative side that was a very pleasant surprise. Mike Donner showed that professionalism is important for any genre of filmmmaking. We congratulate them all.
Best Picture
It seems a foregone conclusion that To the Last Man will win here most of the other films here are quite memorable. Our favorites are the following:
Best Men Parts 1 & 2. It may not be as cohesive as other films in the category but some of the scenes here are indescribably hot and downright perfect.
Endgame. If you've read our review and our various blog entries you know how much we loved this one. Jett Blakk literally filmed a classic.
Paradise Found. Nothing but hot sex and a lush setting and it requires repeat viewings.
The Porne Ultimatum. Real fun and excitrement and a hot cast. Plus it looks more expensive that it probably was.
Again, we hope to be there when the awards are handed out, but either way we'll give you as full a report as possible.
We admit that we can't make completely well-informed critical choices on some of the other special genre categories (we simply haven't seen most of them), but we can make some predictions.
Best Twink Film.
We've only seen two of the flicks here but Brent Corrigan would seem to have the inside track here with his Prodigy Pictures videos in contention. If they don't split the votes we'd give it to Brent Corrigan's Summit (just because his name is in the title). If awards were given on title choices, we'd pick The Twink Whisperer.
Best Solo Film.
Again we've seen only a few of these nominated flicks but name recognition should give the edge to Bang Bang Boys, Dirk Yates, and Colt of course. If voters have muscles on their mind, Colt will win.
Best Sex Comedy.
This category is a lot tougher to figure out than we first realized. Some of these have comedic moments but it's really hard to think of any of them as all-out comedy. Then again, it's probably unwise to do a sex flick that's a laugh riot. Jacking off and laughing at the same time seems impossible, like sneezing with your eyes open. All the nominees in this category deserve their place here, but our fave is Paging Dr Finger from Hot House. There are some really clever moments here that make it witty AND sexy.
Best Pro/Am Film.
Those lines between pro and amateur have certainly blurred a lot in the last couple years as evidenced by the number of nominees here. We really like the Jocks Road Trip series, Collin O'Neal's World of Men so these are at the top of our list of choices along with Brent Corrigan's Summit. Lucas Entertainment's Auditions series seems more "am" than "pro" but it's always a great showcase for newcomers. Personally there was a very hot scene in Collin O'Neal's Serbia with Roman Ragazzi that shot it to the top of our list. Our opinions aside it's anyone's game here.
Best Leather Film
Leather films seem to have it made. They can be nominated in a number of categories AND they get a category of their own. When we watch a leather flick we are somewhat on the outside looking in so perhaps we aren't the best at determining which of the nominees is superior it the genre. However, a good flick is still a good flick and we can make a decision based on that criteria. It was a little long but the Verboten two-parter series was damn hot; Big Bigger Biggest lived up to its name; and Folsom Undercover was a worthy addition to this series. We liked Verboten of the three but it's likely that Folsom Undercover will triumph.
Best Fetish Film
Here's where we're really on the outside looking in. That said we admire the daring of Raging Stallion to do a whole video on Sounding and the studio's ability to market Grunts one more time . It's interesting that Folsom Undercover & Folsom Prison are BOTH nominated here, but we preferred the prison flick. It had a few more memorable scenes for us.
Best HD Feature
Okay, we haven't yet seen a high-def porn flick so we can't really offer an opinion here. However, we can say what we'd have liked to have seen in HD. Titan's outdoor flicks would be hot to see (Breakers & Copperhead Canyon) but we really have a hankering to see the lushly photographed Black Scorpion flicks (Cuma Sutra & Sex Hiker).
Best Foreign Release.
This is really a diverse collection so it's hard to compare them all. But we're going with out gut reaction and picking Italians and Other Strangers from Lucas Kazan.
Best Ethnic-Themed Film
Blackballed 6: Under the Hood had a stunning collection of hot guys and was non-stop action as it proved once again why this series is so good. Our pick hands down.
Best Ethnic-Themed Film - Latin
It was so refreshing to see Roman Heart with a whole new crop of guys that Roman's Holiday really stood out. But AMG Brasil never disappoints either so we think the award will go to Rio.
Best Classic DVD.
Talk about apples & oranges. The classics may be rough around the edges but they all hold up in terms of powerful raw sexuality. We couldn't decide on any of them and wish all could win, but we're betting on Colt.
Best Bisexual Film
No pick for us here although we predict that Shifting Gears from All Worlds with its "straight for pay" rep to win.
Best Bear Film.
The definition of a bear is pretty varied so you get a mixed bag here. Thus it's hard to say which if any of this nominees is the most representative of the genre. We DID see Centurion Muscle 5: Maximus and we liked it for its raw power. But is it a "bear" flick? No prediction here.
Best Amateur Film.
Whew! Here we have our work cut out for us. We follow several of the sites who put out these video compilations and each are good in their own way. For us it's between Next Door Male's solo jack off and Chaos Men's Edge series. We have to give the edge to Edge (sorry, had to say it). These are always well shot, sexy, and kinky hot.
Best Alternative Release
Another fascinating crop of choices. In terms of good filmmaking we preferred Wrangler & Eeverything You Wanted to Know About Gay Porn Stars But Were Afraid to Ask! They provide historical bookends to the gay porn biz and how show how much things have changed. Everything.. will probably win.
Best All-Sex Film.
Well, when all is said and done it really is all about sex, isn't it? This category should actually be pretty strict in terms of its criteria of being "all sex" and no story and little dialog but it's not always the case. Blackballed 6 and Funhouse do have a plot set up. But both are so good we can overlook this. There are number of other winners too. The 4th Floor had a lot of energy and kept it going. Trunks 5 was perhaps the best in the series. But our pick has to go to Blue Movie. It definitely is a standout stylistically but it never lets its artistic ambitions intrude on or distract from the sex scenes. We'd love to see this win.
Best Fetish Performer
We think all these guys bring their own style to fetish flicks we think there is only one who puts himself out there without inhibition on a consistent basis. That's Tober Brandt.
Best Newcomer
Oh man. This is really almost impossible thanks to the number of nominees and their diversity. Some of these guys started out on websites so they don't seem like newcomers to us. Ross Hurston, Damian Rios, Kaden Saylor, Aaron James, and David Dakota come to mind. Some of the guys here we grew to like on film and off--we loved RJ Danvers blog and his interest in comics. Jackson Wild impressed us with his acting and versatility. And truthfully we love all these guys on the list but the one for whom we went gaga over right from the start is Kyle King. He's just got that indefinable quality that we like. We'd love to see him win but anyone on the list could and should take home the prize.
Best Top
This was certainly an interesting assortment of nominees. Some are all-out, hard-driving tops that love to dominate. Others are more the versatile types that have been on the bottom and so have their own idea of how to please. There are also big-dick tops who don't have to do much more than whip out their talent to get a guy to bottom for them. For sheer size Barrett Long is on the list. He's also learned how to emote more which is good. D.O. is the quiet seductive lover type of top. The guys who stand out on the list are Ricky Sinz, Diesel Washington, Tyler Saint, and Chad Hunt. They have no qualms about showing who is boss. It was a tough choice but Diesel Washington is our pick for seeming to have all the good top qualities and a few acrobatic moves that only he can do.
Best Bottom
Again another diverse group. In many ways, bottoms have a harder job. They have to do more than just lie there and take it. Often these guys have to emote more and be just as aggressive as their tops. Some guys really get into into like Roman Heart, Brent Corrigan, Zack Randall, and Kurt Wild. There are other like Jason Crew & Alexy Tyler that are less emotional but who still let us feel what they're feeling. Our pick is the guy that seems to embody many good bottom traits: Blake Riley.
Best Supporting Actor
The operative word for this category is "actor" so we kept that in mind. Yes, many of these guys here gave good sexual performances but there were a select few that were more convincing with their lines and becoming their respective characters. Vinnie D'Angelo, Jake Deckard, Trevor Knight,& Scott Tanner stood out to us although some didn't fit the "supporting" category. D'Angelo was very convincing as the closeted mountain man who gives in to Logan McCree. Jack Deckard got our hearts going pitty-pat as the sensitive cowboy. Scott Tanner seemed like a natural, as Jake's brother who slowly witnesses his world crumbling. Trevor Knight was remarkably restrained and believable in Endgame.
For us it's a toss-up between these four.
Best Actor - Foreign Release
We have to be honest here. All these guys are all quite good--sexy and believable but our heart belongs to Julian Vincenzo.
Best Actor
Just as with the supporting category there were guys that simply stood out. All the guys here were memorable and convincing but our picks just gave it a bit more. D.O. could easily just rely on his looks and we'd be happy. But he can also seduce with his whole bod. That Brit accent sure helps to make Ross Hurston sound like he's doing Shakespeare. Our top three are Logan McCree, Ricky Sinz, and Chad Hunt. McCree and Hunt played it sensitive which was very effective. Hunt though really stood out in a role which really was a departure for him. Then there's that darn Ricky Sinz. He really relishes the villain role and yet makes his character's amorality seem perfectly reasonable. Any of these three could win and we'd be pleased but Sinz looks like the guy to beat.
Performer of the Year
Again, a tough one--taking a guy's whole body of work from one year and comparing it to others. Do you judge on how good each movie was? How an individual has improved? Do you consider the number of performances? All the guys here in this category had more than one standout role. Our faves include Steve Cruz, Logan McCree, Scott Tanner, Diesel Washington, and Ricky Sinz and picking a winner was impossible---none of us here at Jack Manly could agree. That said, it's likely that Sinz will win once again.
Best Director
To us, all of these nominees are winners because they all make a genuine effort. They don't lose sight of the fact that this is porn after all, but many seem to want to do something that stands out and has staying power. Some get more creative and artistic than others. Our personal faves include Jett Blakk, Steve Cruz & Leif Gobo, Jake Deckard, Joe Gage, Mike Donner, and the team of Chris Ward, Ben Leon and Tony Dimarco. It seems very likely that they will win but our other favorites deserve kudos too. Jett Blakk is an incomparable auteur who shows his love for film and still makes it hot. Joe Gage proves that if you're talented you can continue working and turning out stuff that seems fresh and new. Jake Deckard proves that smart sexy guys can be standouts in front of and behind the camera. Steve Cruz revealed a creative side that was a very pleasant surprise. Mike Donner showed that professionalism is important for any genre of filmmmaking. We congratulate them all.
Best Picture
It seems a foregone conclusion that To the Last Man will win here most of the other films here are quite memorable. Our favorites are the following:
Best Men Parts 1 & 2. It may not be as cohesive as other films in the category but some of the scenes here are indescribably hot and downright perfect.
Endgame. If you've read our review and our various blog entries you know how much we loved this one. Jett Blakk literally filmed a classic.
Paradise Found. Nothing but hot sex and a lush setting and it requires repeat viewings.
The Porne Ultimatum. Real fun and excitrement and a hot cast. Plus it looks more expensive that it probably was.
Again, we hope to be there when the awards are handed out, but either way we'll give you as full a report as possible.
Posted by JackManly at 3/19/2009 10:44 AM 
Categories: awards, gay porn, news
Tags: To The Last Man Raging Stallion
Categories: awards, gay porn, news
Tags: To The Last Man Raging Stallion
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