LAS VEGAS—It was the most gloriously chaotic 15 minutes of Rhyheim Shabazz’s professional career. So dizzying that he was still processing it all backstage as it started to sink in at the 2025 GayVN Awards.
When it was all over, the adult entertainment icon had added two more trophies to his case. But he seemed prouder of the other winners, many who cited him as an influence on their careers. It was further proof that Shabazz has cemented his status as one of—if not the—all-time greats in the industry.
It all unfolded during an emotional hour at the 2025 GayVN Awards last night in The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Shabazz became just the second man ever in the history of the event (and first man of color) to garner back-to-back wins for Performer of the Year, following Michael Brandon in 2002 and 2003 (the latter honor shared with Colton Ford). For good measure, he added a Best Duo Sex Scene win to his haul.
“This is the most honest I’m going to be tonight—it actually feels good! It feels so good. This is awesome. It’s more than I could have asked for, and it’s validation for what I do. I can go back to LA and see my dogs and say, ‘Look what daddy got!’” Shabazz laughed.
“It’s amazing. I remember coming in here as a Trophy Boy years ago. I didn’t even get to sit down! So this is incredible. [AVN CEO] Tony [Rios] and everyone behind the scenes, they all do an amazing job. People don’t know how much work goes on for this awards show. Everyone has been great. This is the one event in porn that I always look forward to every year.”
Shabazz’s first win of the night came for his NakedSword Originals scene “The Main Event” with Sir Peter. But because he had to present the next awards on stage, Shabazz had no time to collect his trophy or take photos. When he finally came backstage to enjoy the moment, he had to immediately go back on stage as the Performer of the Year winner was announced.
When he finally came backstage again, another surprise awaited. Shabazz didn’t realize that amid all the action, his company Voyr had also won Best Group Scene. “A Fun Orgy of Debauchery” gave trophies to performers Liam Arnolds, Marlon Costa, Well Cruz, Jonatas, Gael Kriok, Rafael Silva and Markin Wolf—a win that put a smile on the businessman’s face.
“They won Best Group Scene?! How? When?!” he laughed. “I’m so happy for them. I always tell them, you guys need to shine because the world needs to know how good you are. Not just as performers, but just your work ethic and being able to promote themselves.”
Shabazz started Voyr last October, just after the eligibility period for the 2024 GayVN Awards closed.
“This year, that is what I’m putting all of my energy into. For the past few years, it’s been Rhyheim and my fan platform. This year, my focus is on Voyr, making it grow.”
Shabazz’s energy has also helped grow the careers of his peers. Sir Peter picked up his first two GayVN awards ever last night, winning the Favorite Daddy fan award in addition to Best Duo Sex Scene.
“I never thought I would actually win the GayVNs, and now I have one from fans and one from judges, so that feels amazing. I’ve worked a lot over the last five years, and honestly I’m to the point where I’m not upset if I don’t win. I’m so happy that I won with Rhyheim.”
Sir Peter credits Shabazz and director Alter Sin as two of the people most responsible for his career.
“Rhyheim has given me a lot of opportunities. I look at him as a brother and a mentor, and he’s here jumping around backstage with all of these deserved awards. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m very happy that I did this scene with him. I think both of us are more comfortable being tops, but in this industry you have to show longevity and give fans things they’re not expecting.”
Shabazz was equally praiseworthy of his scene mate, the two standing side by side for much of the evening.
“Since I began this career, when I meet certain people that have an amazing energy, I just stick to them. Sir Peter is someone I text frequently, and I’ve been dying to get this scene with him for years. So when he agreed to it, I said you know what, I have such an amazing relationship with NakedSword, I want to do it with you guys. Working with Tim Valenti, Trenton Ducati, Ryan Brian…it’s been an amazing experience.
“And Sir Peter doesn’t know how much I look up to him. He doesn’t listen to me when I say, ‘Bitch, I look up to you!’ I’m going to be honest with you: I didn’t even expect that anyone wanted to see me in this industry. I’m actually as bad with that as Sir Peter is—he might be worse at it than me. So it lifts my self-esteem having him around and hearing his kind words.”
Shabazz’s influence was also apparent when Matthew Ellis took home the award for Best Newcomer.
“This feels incredible. I put a lot of work into what I do, so it’s just so nice to get the recognition. It’s phenomenal,” said Ellis, who created a name for himself doing his own content before developing a stronger studio presence last year.
“When people see what I do online, they probably think I have this crazy busy life. But to be honest with you, I live in Australia, and I tend to come here for three or four weeks at a time. I will work very intensely, and then I will go home and I will just chill before doing it again in three or four months in another intense work trip. So I have a really nice balance in how I do it. It works well for me.
“I said this when I was out on stage—it’s just such an incredible sense of community here, and they’re welcomed me in such a way that I’ve never experienced. I’ve always done corporate jobs before this, and I’ve always felt really out of place. I’ve never felt accomplished or acknowledged or anything like that. And immediately here, I just felt the opposite. It’s been amazing.”
At this point backstage, a beaming Shabazz—with a huge smile on his face—interrupts to give Ellis a genuine hug, saying how proud he is of him.
“Rhyheim is the second person I ever collabed with. I think we have a pretty special bond. I personally attribute a lot of my success to him, because he’s just someone who’s so generous and so giving. He’s also been a mentor in so many ways, so I will always respect him for that. I’m forever thankful to him.”
Ellis soon added two fan trophies to his wins (for Favorite Bottom and Favorite Butt), which he needed help carrying out of the theater. “These are the three I really wanted, so I’m very happy. I’m in shock honestly; I have no idea how I’m going to get these home to Australia—they are heavy! But I’ll work it out.”
It was another big night for the Falcon | NakedSword team, who won the Best Feature award for Heart On—the fourth time in the last five years they’ve taken that prize.
“Last year when we were upstairs with Alter Sin, I said I have this great idea and we will win everything…and here we are,” said president and CEO, Tim Valenti. “We have a very strong core team that works together, all very talented, and we leave the BS at the door. Ben Rush is one of the best writer/directors that we’ve seen in a very long time, Trenton has turned into one of the absolute best producers.
“And of course Callum and Cole, who the film is centered on. We made friends with them a few years ago in Europe, and they’re the best, most natural interesting guys who do their own webcam shows. Just very real and wonderful. And I was like, ‘Please! I know you’ve never shot with a studio, but let us feature you. These roles are made for you.’ They said yes and worked so hard. It was amazing. I’m blessed.”
Rush, who co-directed the project and wrote it, was not in attendance but was elated with the news.
“Heart On was a labor of love for everyone at NakedSword Originals. The cast and crew really bonded over our commitment to making a standout, heartfelt movie that would resonate with fans across the globe. Callum and Cole were great partners, and Alter Sin, whose work is unparalleled, brought a perspective that gave Heart On its quality and charm. I wish I could work with him on everything!”
The project also won Best Screenplay, a category that returned to the awards for the first time since 2009.
“Including a Best Screenplay category this year was important; I appreciate that GayVN expanded their list of honors to celebrate those who create the backbones of scripted narrative films. Drafting the scripts can be a Jenga puzzle of sorts, as I have to write compelling projects that accommodate the unique casting, shooting schedules, and budgets of the genre but that also keep viewers invested in the context of a sexual encounter,” Rush said.
“The screenplay for Heart On, I believe, really struck a chord with people because of its vulnerability and emotional storyline. It addresses coming out and finding your way in a world that is not always accepting as we’d like.”
Rush also won Best Director (Feature) for another NakedSword Originals project, Bred & Breakfast: All the Way Inn.
“The Bred & Breakfast series has been a labor of love, so the win means so much. The acknowledgement of all the hard work that went into that film motivates me to up my game. The concept is playful and includes great casts, memorable dialogue, and fun locations that have become the hallmarks of the franchise.”
But perhaps the biggest night of all belonged to Alter Sin, who co-directed Heart On. The director started the night with a win in Best Directing (Non-Feature) for the BelAmi release Casa Del Amor: House of BelAmi Part 1 (shared with Jerome Exupery and Marty Stevens).
“Working with BelAmi, for me it was always kind of a dream, because it always felt like they were on another level with their shooting. It was so easy to work with them again, and for me it was like being in a dream. I learned a lot.”
Like Shabazz, Sin was barely backstage when he had to go right back to pick up the win for Best Featurette for Men.com’s “Prisoner of War: 10 Years Later.” The project reunited Paddy O’Brian and Allen King, who Sin directed in the original project.
“I was here at GayVNs last year thinking, ‘We shot that 10 years before. What if…,’” Sin says. “The original was a big hit for Men.com, so they were on board. We got the same place, and the performers obviously said yes. It was very emotional for everyone because it was something that we remember as amazing for all of us.”
Sin soon added a trophy for Best Directing (Featurette) for the scene, while King won Best Supporting Actor (Featurette). “With Paddy and Allen, I shot the first scenes of their careers, so I’ve seen the evolution for both of them. They are like family; I have a special connection with them.”
No one was more happy for Sin than Sir Peter, who cheered him on backstage as the director piled up the awards.
“I don’t want to cry, but Alter is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in this industry. He’s very talented, very gifted, he has such a different cinematic approach in storytelling, and he doesn’t have to tell with words. He captivates with everything that he does. Tonight shows why his talent is so major and why he’s so important to me. He gave me a real shot and believed in me more than I did, and I think he still believes in me more than I do. I’m so happy for him; I’m very emotional. I just love him and he’s like a father figure and very good friend.”
Like Shabazz and Sin, Heath Halo was another multi-winner who found himself getting quite a workout backstage. He first was part of the Best Oral Sex Scene win (another category making its first appearance since 2009). He then had to run back on stage to collect his trophy for the inaugural Best DP Sex Scene—which he shared with Sean Xavier and Hazel Hoffman for their Bred and Breakfast: All the Way Inn threeway.
“I’m all sweaty now…I had to run! It’s very cool to be the first-time winner of the DP category. It was lots of slipping and sliding on that countertop. We got real professional and made that work, because Ben had a vision of what he wanted it to look like, and it was tough. It was a tough camera angle, and it was tough lighting, and it was tough on our knees. But we got in there and we did it like pros.”
Halo was a Trophy Boy last year, and enjoyed experiencing the GayVN Awards from a different perspective.
“Very relaxed—that’s the difference between this year and last year, when I had to be here and there, and learned so much. So this year, getting to relax and just kind of spend time with friends and hang out, it’s been really cool. And now I have bookend trophies!”
His DP scene mate Hoffman served as a Trophy Boy this year.
“This has been so much fun. Everybody that I worked with was so sweet and amazing. It kind of felt like a summer camp of gay men, and I had a blast,” he said. “And I’m so surprised with the win! I feel like it hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m amazed and surprised. I’m proud of the work and the people I work with; I’m really glad we got to win this together, because Heath and Sean are both the sweetest.”
Xavier won his first trophy in his nearly 14-year career.
“We’re the first winners of the DP category…I love that! This is my first award at the GayVNs, so it’s exciting to have it. They’re fabulous gentlemen to work with. And for me, this is very meaningful. I’ve finally found a way to embrace God and embrace what I do at the same time, and because I’ve been able to put them together, I’m really able to do the best work ever in my career.”
Halo was equally complementary of his Best Oral Scene co-stars: Beau Butler, Cole Ryan and Ryder Flynn. The project marked a return to studio work for Ryan, who did the bulk of his work in 2006 and 2007. But the win last night had extra special meaning.
“Years ago, I had a boyfriend who didn’t like me doing all this kind of stuff, and then he got me fat, and I wasn’t in porn shape for a while. Then I kind of got into other stuff. Being sober again, I’m trying to find activities I love that don’t revolve around the bars and the clubs. And I always enjoyed doing this work, so I was like, ‘I should get back into doing this!’
“It’s nice to be welcomed back. This is my second time at the GayVNs—the first time, I got nominated for Best Actor back in 2007 when Kathy Griffin was the host. It’s nice to be nominated for scenes for sex work, and then to actually to win is amazing.”
For Butler, it was another huge night. He has fond memories of Raging Stallion’s The Beach House shoot that produced the Best Oral Scene win.
“That’s where I met Heath. This was his first scene with them; I adore him and I root for him always.”
In addition to that trophy, Butler picked up fan trophies for Favorite Bear and Favorite Cam/Creator Couple—an honor he shared with husband Nick, a fitting anniversary present.
“We got married the day after GayVNs last year. I moved back to London with him for a little bit. And then we finally decided to move to LA in July, so we’ve been working on his immigration. Girl, I had no idea what was going to happen in the United States…but we’re deep in the process, so we’re going to commit to it for at least two years. We’re fucking super in love with each other. I love AVN and GayVN so much. I’ve always had a home here. I love to be here every year, even if I don’t win. Honest.”
The night started with a Best Supporting Actor win for Ty Roderick, who won for SayUncle.com’s The Iron Pa. The industry vet quickly went on Twitter: “I am deeply honored to have been awarded Best Supporting Actor at the GayVN Awards. Thank you so much for this incredible recognition. I regret that I could not be there in person to celebrate, but please know I am with you in spirit. My heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who has supported me on this journey! I love you guys!”
The second award of the night was for Best Three-way Sex Scene, awarded to “Sharing Is Caring” from GuysinSweatpants. Austin Wilde was not in attendance, but surprised couple James Cassidy and Bryce Jax took to the stage.
“This is crazy, we didn’t expect to win,” said Cassidy. “Everything I do with Bryce just makes me love him more and more every single day, so it’s amazing to experience this with him. We met at a music festival a little while back, and I always say the stars were aligned, and we’ve been connected ever since. And Austin is absolutely fantastic. He lets us shoot as a couple, which is what we really want to do. He’s amazing to work with.”
Lane Colten picked up his first GayVN Award, sharing the Best Fetish Scene win with Oliver Carter for their CockyBoys scene from the What’s Your Kink? series.
“It feels great. It was shocking! I practiced every other speech but this one, so it was a nice surprise. It was a fantastic shoot. Oliver was one of the best performers I ever worked with. The chemistry was fantastic. I just moved to Las Vegas and have been on production all week long, so I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this. But it’s fantastic. The energy is electrifying. Being at the Virgin Hotel this week is incredible. I’m just happy to be here with the people I love.”
CockyBoys also picked up a win in the Best Actor (Featurette) category for Michael Jackman in “Scream Cream.” The performer announced his retirement from the industry late last year.
Legrand Wolf of Carnal Media was on hand to accept the win for Bastian Karim, who won Best Actor for his role in The Mafia series.
“StagHomme is just such a beautiful brand, and I wanted to see it flourish. Francesco D’Macho had really done a brilliant job of bringing it into existence. My husband and I bought GunzBlazing, and we saw it (StagHomme) there and reached out to him, and we came up with a plan. Several years later, we decided that we would move forward with re-launching his beautiful product, and Bastian was the obvious choice. He’s such a lovely human. He is easily one of the kindest people you will ever meet.”
Helix picked up the Best All-Sex Movie win for Cherry Twinks.
“It was just a bunch of models that were new and we were thought had huge sex appeal, and they were very energetic in their performances and did a great job,” said Helix owner Keith Miller. “It also had Josh Brady, who has always been a standout model for us. He’s filmed with us for eight years now and we love him. He brings powerhouse professionalism to his scenes, and he’s a great person to put with newbies and really put on a good show.”
In the fan awards, 2020 GayVN Performer of the Year Cade Maddox picked up three wins—Favorite Body, Cock and Top. That put his career GayVN Fan Award total at a whopping 10 trophies.
“This was my first time ever getting three! It feels amazing. It’s an honor to be nominated with all these new guys coming in, so to win something is even more cool. I do what I enjoy, and I try to keep it very intimate, passionate and connected, and I think that’s what has really given me success.
“And it’s so fun to see everybody in one place at one time. Not only that, it’s so nice to see people dress up and go all out for it. I’ve been doing this for seven years, and when I first started everybody didn’t dress like this. The red carpet did not look near as good as it looked tonight. Everybody looked amazing!”
Reese Rideout did interviews on the red carpet and backstage, and picked up a win for Best Bi Scene (for “Bisexual Stepdad Goes Wild” with Trevor Brooks and Jewel Diamant from WhyNotBi.com).
“I didn’t know it because I was talking backstage! It’s just been amazing, working with mr. Pam on the red carpet. She was a blast. We bounced back and forth taking turns with people. And backstage is fun. All the questions tonight have just been silly, nothing too serious. I try to keep it lighthearted, just kick them back on their heels, make them flub through some answers.”
Dom King won the fan award for Favorite Porn Star Creator.
“I’m ecstatic. I feel like I got the best one of them all. I put in the work, and it feels great knowing the fans responded. My fans got me here, the industry didn’t, so I’m grateful for them. I was up against some tough competition, so to get this one means a lot. I think I’m authentic, and people like that. I give a lot more personality; I’m not just a business on Twitter posting. I talk to my fans, I engage with them. I do a lot of pop culture in my posts so that there’s a relatability and something for me to connect with the fans to, kind of have a conversation about my work.”
SantanaXXL picked up two fan awards, for Hottest Porn Newcomer and Favorite Indie Creator. He had a line of congratulators in the lobby after the ceremony.
“I’ve been creating content for 10 years independently, and I work hard showing that big boys can make beautiful content that people love and enjoy. I’m proud to represent for all my big boys in the industry, and the big boys that want to come in the industry and do this kind of work. It means a lot to me to showcase body diversity in content.”
Drake Von picked up two fan trophies, for Favorite Twink and Hottest All-Male Creator Collab with Jayden Marcos. Other winners were Malik Delgaty for Favorite Dom, Roman Todd for Favorite Versatile, Skyy Knox for Favorite Cam Guy, and Noah Way for Favorite Transmasc Star.
The 2025 GayVN Awards were hosted by celebrated comedian, actor and LGBTQ+ advocate Alec Mapa, back for his ninth gig. He was joined by performer and nominee Jkab Ethan Dale, along with Bruno Alcantara, a versatile life coach, producer and performer who can currently be seen in new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Joining Hoffman as Trophy Boys last night were Amone Bane, Ryan Chun and Crush Daddy.
“It was a tremendous experience for me. I was surprised when they called me. I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re calling the right person?’” laughed Crush Daddy. “I love the energy. It’s so fun, creative and positive, and that’s what I love about this industry. Last year I was just kind of doing everything while trying to find my way a little bit, and this year I have a better vision of what I want to do, and this experience has been so memorable.”
One of the more emotional moments of the ceremony came from Boomer Banks, who was inducted into the GayVN Hall of Fame. On stage, he received one of the biggest laughs of the night when he told the audience: “I love all of you. I may not like all of you, but I love all of you!” The veteran began his career in 2013, and has long championed more diversity in the industry for men of color.
“Two years ago, when I lost my best friend from addiction, everything about how I see and interact with the world shifted. And because my recovery is a huge priority, that moment led me to taking a much-needed mental health break—not just from the industry, but from life itself.
“I am overcome with gratitude for the platform this industry has provided me. As I’ve adapted how I’ve used that platform, music has become louder and louder in my life, but I’m still here and being a sex positive slut will always be a reality for me. As a diverse performer, while a challenge, I’ve come to see that it provides me with the perfect opportunity to create productive disturbance.”
With Shabazz’s second win a row, it’s clear that Banks has had a lasting impact.
Photography by Toby Acuna
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