CHATSWORTH, Calif.—As AVN Media Network’s “O” Awards enter their second decade, the company is making a few changes to freshen up the 2020 categories.
“As the industry changes, we want to make sure we keep up,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “First, we are eliminating the Product for Women and Product for Men categories. There's been a major push in recent years to eliminate labelling pleasure products as for men and women, and instead be more inclusive of non-binary gender identities, and we want the 'O' Awards categories to reflect that.
“But that doesn't mean items typically nominated in those categories will not be considered,” Shaulis continued. “Instead, there are three new categories that will be added: Outstanding Internal Stimulator, Outstanding External Stimulator and Outstanding Anal Product. These new categories will allow us to better recognize products designed for various types of pleasure.”
As the new categories make their debut, AVN is now accepting pre-nominations for the 11th annual “O” Awards.
Members of the pleasure product industry can make their suggestions for nominees now through Friday, Oct. 12.
Any products released between Oct. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019, are eligible for consideration in the “O” Awards.
Nominations can be submitted by emailing the product name, company name, product release date and image of the product to [email protected].
Nominees for the “O” Awards will be announced in November, while the winners will be announced during the “O” Awards ceremony at the AVN Novelty Expo presented by Satisfyer, slated for Jan. 22-24 during the AVN Show at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
Categories for the 11th annual “O” Awards are as follows:
Outstanding Internal Stimulator: Any vibrator, dildo or other product designed specifically for insertion into a vagina.
Outstanding External Stimulator: Any vibrator or other product designed for stimulation of vulva, nipples, etc.
Outstanding Anal Product: Any vibrator, dildo or other product designed for stimulation of and/or insertion into the anus.
Outstanding Supplement or Enhancement: Any pill, drink or other substance ingested for an increase in performance or pleasure, or spray or cream applied externally for an increase in performance or pleasure.
Outstanding Innovation: Any product that provides technological advancement in the pleasure products field.
Outstanding Lubricant Product or Line: Any specific lubricating product, or any collection of lubricants.
Outstanding Body or Skin Care Line: Any line of products designed to cleanse, scent or pamper the skin.
Outstanding Non-Powered Product: Any product that requires no external power source.
Outstanding Powered Product: Any product that uses batteries or electrical current.
Outstanding Lingerie Item or Collection: Any single piece or assortment of themed undergarments.
Outstanding Accessory Product or Line: Any product or line of products used for body adornment.
Outstanding Marketing Campaign: Any campaign specific to a company, line or product.
Outstanding Packaging: Packaging for any specific product or line of products.
Additionally, the “O” Award for Lifetime Achievement will be presented during the ceremony to an individual who has made significant contributions to the pleasure products industry. An announcement about this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be made in the coming weeks, Shaulis said.
Industry members can email Shaulis at [email protected] with any questions.
Registration is now open for the AVN Novelty Expo; to register, visit NoveltyExpo.com or AVNShow.com.
