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Further Reading
1998 'Men In Video' Award Winners
Video That Gets You Off
Fallen Angel (Titan Media)
Overall Porn Star Of...
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What gets the fans off?
By
Ed Karvoski, Jr.
"Finally, I won something for my hard-working ass!" exclaimed Matthew Anders as he claimed the Most Cuddly Stud honor at the third Annual Men in Video Awards, held in July at the Probe, a popular dance club in
the heart of Hollywood.
Nicknamed "The Probies," this is not your average award show-- even by porn standards. Think of it as the X-rated People's Choice Awards. Via on-line balloting (www.ammen.net) and mail-in responses,
more than 7,000 fans picked the winners in such categories as Best Ass, Best Cock, and Best Bushwhacking (translation: Outstanding Achievement in Pubic Hair Trimming).
Another difference between this ceremony and others honoring the all-male biz (i.e., the Gay Erotic Video Awards and the new forthcoming GayVN Awards): "This is not a formal, sit-down event,"
notes Mickey Skee, one of the show's producers and author of
several porn-related books. "Here, there are no tables and we don't want people dressed-up in suits. We want the stars to go out on the dance floor, have fun, and
meet their fans-- that's what this is all about."
The team of producers included Mark Hundahl, owner of the Probe, and John Whyman, founder of the A-Men Bulletin Board. Former performer David Thompson directed the stud-studded show.
Inspired by the mainstream flick Boogie
Nights, the ceremony adopted a 1970s theme-- from an opening disco number with afro-coifed chorus boys to a grand finale featuring drag star Chi Chi LaRue,
the show's Mistress of Ceremony, belting out "Porn Will Survive" (to the tune "I Will Survive").
"Three years ago I didn't think we needed another awards show," admitted LaRue, who hosted Men in Video for the second consecutive year. "But I've come to see this as a very different event with its
own niche. It's more of a show for the fans. It's a chance for them to give us their opinion."
Hundreds of fans-- many prepared with cameras ranging from disposable to high-tech-- schmoozed the night away alongside their fantasies-in-the-flesh. "Fans are able to get closer to the stars at this
award show than at any other," LaRue added.
The evening's most coveted honor, Overall Porn Star of the Year (Best Actor) went to Tom Chase. "He's very hot, he's got a huge dick, and he's a great performer," raved LaRue, who has directed the
award winner. "Plus, he recently bottomed for Mike Branson in
California Kings-- that instantly catapulted him into another level with the fans. He was exclusively top, top, top, then he gave it up for Mike Branson-- that's kind
of exciting!"
"I think the fans also appreciate that Tom Chase is very openly gay," added Skee. "He and his partner recently celebrated a very public commitment ceremony."
Proving to be both a popular and versatile performer, Derek Cameron took home the trophies saluting Best Bottom and Hottest Cocksucker.
Zak Spears was named Probe Porn Legend, an honor announced by past recipient Ryan Idol. Referring to Idol's recent much-publicized tumble from the fourth floor of a building in New York City,
LaRue quipped, "The next time I fall four stories, I hope I look that good!"
Even before the final "Probie" was presented, the producers started looking toward next year's X-travaganza. "We're already talking about a theme for next year," revealed Skee. "It's going to be, "We're Going
to Party Till It's 1999!'" Well, it will
be 1999, but who's counting?
| Author Profile: Ed Karvoski, Jr. |
| Ed Karvoski Jr. is the author of
All-Male: Quirky Quotes, Intimate
Interviews, and Tantalizing Trivia from
the Most Desired Men on Earth
(Kensington Books) |
| Email: |
edkarvoskijr@prodigy.net |
| Website: |
www.edkarvoskijr.com |
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