"We are thrilled to be honored with a Cybersocket Award for a third time," XBIZ President and founder Alec Helmy said. "Our mission has always been to provide the industry with the best coverage possible, and it's great to be recognized for our efforts. On behalf of the entire XBIZ team, I want to express our thanks and appreciation to Cybersocket."
Winners in 37 categories were announced to an industry crowd at Eleven Restaurant & Nightclub. Directrix and Channel 1 Releasing principal Chi Chi LaRue served as emcee, and two of his Rascal Video exclusive performers — Johnny Hazzard and Blake Riley — acted as "trophy studs."
Monday's intermittent stormy weather cleared up in time to allow for a red-carpet arrivals show hosted by Tim Valenti and Sister Roma of "The Tim & Roma Show" that was streamed live NakedSword.com. Inside, an aerialist performed a pre-show routine suspended from the ceiling above the heads of attendees.
The Cybersocket Web Awards kick-started the gay adult awards season, and additionally served as the opening event for the XBIZ Conference unspooling over the next three days at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodlands Hills, Calif.
Cybersocket publishers Morgan Sommer and Tim Lutz produced the ceremony. Sponsors included XBIZ and Epoch.com, as well as BuddyProfits.com, Men4SexNow.com, NakedSword.com and PussyCash.com, as well as adult studios BelAmiOnline.com and CockyBoys.com.
Among the winners were Epoch for Best Billing Company, National Net for Best Hosting Company Site, Thug Boy for Best Black-theme Adult Site, and Boykakke for Best Asian-theme Adult Site.
The official websites of Bel Ami and Hot House Entertainment earned citations, as did Manhunt for Best Hookup Adult Site, and Rentboy as Best Escort Site.
A full list of winners will be posted to the Cybersocket Web Awards site later today.