Former "Boy Meets World" actress-turned-porn star Maitland Ward has weighed in on the ongoing debate about the declining interest in traditional awards shows like the Oscars.
Speaking in Beverly Hills, Ward expressed her belief that the adult film industry's awards show, the AVN Awards, surpasses the Academy Awards in terms of entertainment value. According to Ward, the difference lies in the demographics of the voting members.
Ward contends that the Oscars suffer from an age disparity among voters, asserting that the older demographic fails to connect with the broader public and highlights a lack of diversity in nominations.
In contrast, she praises the AVN Awards for its inclusivity, citing a wealth of female directors and performers from diverse backgrounds within the adult film industry. Ward believes that the AVN Awards successfully identifies and rewards deserving candidates without the interference of political considerations.
Despite the overall decline in viewership for awards shows, Ward proposes a novel idea to revitalize the Oscars—introducing a new category for on-screen intimacy. While acknowledging the likelihood of such a category at the Oscars being a long shot, Ward argues that her hard work in the porn industry is better recognized and rewarded through the AVN Awards.
Having entered the adult film industry in 2019, Maitland Ward has garnered significant recognition, securing seven AVN awards to date, including the prestigious Best Leading Actress accolade this year. While her suggestion for an Oscar category dedicated to on-screen intimacy may be unconventional, Ward's perspective sheds light on the evolving landscape of awards shows and the diverse preferences of viewers.