The 2026 Best New Starlets panel was held at the AVN Show at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Thursday, featuring nominees for the top award in a new female performer.

Nominees Share Thoughts on Vying for Top Award

AVN Managing Editor Peter Warren moderated the annual Best New Starlets panel, which included 12 nominees: Elly Clutch, Sage Hunter, Ivy Ireland, Asteria Jade, Cheerleader Kait, Linda Lan, Stella Luxx, Megan Mistakes, Gypsy Rose, Tessa Thomas, Cubbi Thompson, Violet Voss, and Sky Wonderland.

2025 Best New Starlet winner Gal Ritchie was also in attendance, and when asked by Warren about "passing on the crown," she responded with a theatrical cry of "I'm not ready!"

Ritchie offered words of advice to the nominees: "If you do win, fantastic, amazing. If you don’t, being nominated is a massive thing. Don't drink too much, don't trip—I almost fell on my face last year, in hysterics, trying to talk, trying not to cry and get my words out."

Ritchie also emphasized the importance of being prepared for any outcome: "Even if you don’t think you’re going to win, have a little something prepared. Even if you don’t win, don't feel like shit. You are so fucking honored to be on this fucking stage."

New Starlets in the Spotlight

The AVN awards are considered one of the highest-regarded ceremonies in the adult industry, with over 100 categories and a history dating back to 1984.

According to EroHut.com, a website that lists new pornstars, hundreds of barely legal girls try to make it in the adult industry each year, but many give up after a while.

The site lists the top 20 best new starlets for 2026, including Nikita Reznikova and Valentina Jewels, who are described as "beast-like" and "among the hottest new Latina pornstars."

Key Facts

  • The 2026 Best New Starlets panel was held at the AVN Show at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Thursday.
  • Nominees for the top award included Elly Clutch, Sage Hunter, Ivy Ireland, Asteria Jade, Cheerleader Kait, Linda Lan, Stella Luxx, Megan Mistakes, Gypsy Rose, Tessa Thomas, Cubbi Thompson, Violet Voss, and Sky Wonderland.
  • 2025 Best New Starlet winner Gal Ritchie offered words of advice to the nominees: "If you do win, fantastic, amazing. If you don’t, being nominated is a massive thing."
  • The AVN awards have over 100 categories and a history dating back to 1984.
  • Nikita Reznikova and Valentina Jewels are listed as two of the top new starlets for 2026 on EroHut.com.