LOS ANGELES—Canoga Park-based production powerhouse Wicked Pictures is pleased to announce that Jessica Drake and Asa Akira are hosting the 32nd Annual X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) Awards. Dedicated to giving writers and editors from the adult entertainment industry a voice in selecting the yearly best in X-rated movies, the industry-only gala will take place June 22 at OHM in Hollywood. The ladies' latest release from Wicked, Brad Armstrong's The J.O.B., will arrive in stores June 8.
A true XRCO veteran, Jessica has won the organization's coveted Best Actress, Single Performance award twice—for 2004's Fluff & Fold and 2009's Fallen, both directed by Armstrong. She's also no stranger to hosting the show, having presided over the 2008 awards with co-hostess Kayden Kross.
"I'm really excited to host the show once again! It really is a unique event," enthused Ms. Drake. "I've seen it go through some awesome changes over the years, getting better each time. And I can't wait to have Asa Akira standing next to me onstage. Everything I've done with her has been magic, and I'm sure the XRCO Awards will be no exception."
Asa's XRCO track record is similarly spectacular, including back-to-back wins for Female Performer of the Year (in 2012 and 2013, respectively). 2012 also saw her taking home the organization's "Superslut" award, while the publication of her memoir Insatiable: Porn - A Love Story and other crossover ventures earned her the title of Mainstream Adult Media Favorite in 2015.
For her part, Asa couldn't be more excited to make her XRCO hosting debut.
"I am beyond honored to host the show for them this year," she said. "They have always been very gracious to me. And who better to do it with than Jessica Drake? I feel very lucky."
In a prepared statement, the XRCO's Dirty Bob added, "Jessica and Asa are the perfect women to preside over this year's show. They are beautiful, amazing spokeswomen for the industry and both know a thing or two about what it takes to walk home with XRCO hardware."
For more information visit Wicked.com and XRCO.com.
