UK- The cream of the British porn world is set to be honoured at the industry’s first ‘Oscar’ ceremony in November.

The UK Adult Film Awards is billed “to highlight performances from x-rated actors and actresses from across the country”, and will see gongs won in 37 categories.

Awards for best film, best actress and ‘best softcore’ are up for grabs, as well as recognition for best gay and transexual movies.

Spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha [pictured] said that the awards, promoted by Redzone Pictures together with the UK Adult Producers Trade Association, are intended both to promote the adult film industry and give it a voice when talking to bodies including the British Board of Film Classification.

R18 hardcore films were first legally permitted in 1997, and the UK porn industry is estimated to be worth £1 billion.

Mr Nkwocha said: “The awards will bring adult films into the mainstream. It recognises that men and women appearing in these movies are talented professionals and should be praised for their best work.

“In time the Adult Film Awards will be bigger than the Oscars.”

He said there had been a strong response to the awards across the industry, adding: “All of the top producers have put forward their films for awards.”

The shortlist for nominations is being judged by an independent panel, and 400 people are expected to attend the show.

The American porn awards – the Adult Video News Awards – were staged in Las Vegas in January, watched by over 5000 guests.

The winner there was Pirates, scooping 11 awards and winning praise for star Jesse Jane’s performance which saw her fight off a band of marauding skeletons in between sex scenes.

Famed pornographer, Larry Flynt, picked up a Hall of Fame Founders’ award for free speech related to the industry, while “The New Devil in Miss Jones” was commended for its ‘art direction, editing, and cinematography’.