MELBOURNE, Australia – Since 2011, the EROS Shine Awards have celebrated the erotic arts and adult businesses in the land down under. Although the awards focus on Australian talent and businesses, international adult celebrities usually are among the presenters, and nominees and winners commonly have international fans and business partners.

The awards were designed to make both artistic and political statements.

“The awards recognise excellence and achievement among businesses which provide services or products that are mainly ‘adults only,’” according to the EROS Shine website. “As well as recognising hard work and talent, our awards night also shines a light on businesses that are often excluded or shunned by mainstream business awards because they dare to deal in sex. The event provides plenty of breaks into mainstream erotic fashion, music, performance and ‘body politics.’”

Among the criteria considered by judges each year are professionalism, innovation, leadership, integrity, imagination, creativity and the promotion of positive role models.

The 2013 ceremony, produced by adult industry trade group EROS Association, trade show Sexpo and adult event producer PURR Entertainment, took place Nov. 21 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Hosted by international performers including James Deen, Cassandra Jane, Sina King, Phoenix Marie, Sapphira and Stoya, the evening included a red-carpet reception, cocktail hour, awards gala and after party.

And the winners were:

Best Adult Toy or Product: Lelo
Best Condom (Brand): Hero Condoms
Best Distributor or Wholesaler: Sugar and Sas; Windsor Wholesale Australasia
Best Lotion or Potion: SuperSlyde
Best Others: Magic Night
Best Australian Adult Industry Trailblazer Award: Rob Godwin
Best Australian Adult New Business: Hero Condoms
Best Australian Adult Party: Red Heaven
Best Australian Adult Porn Performer: Madison Missina
Best Australian Adult Retail Website: Club X
Best Australian Adult Store Manager: Marie Delon of Marquis De Sade
Best Australian Adult Website: Adult Match Maker
Best Australian BDSM Mistress or Master: Master Joe
Best Australian Brothel: The Boardroom of Melbourne
Best Australian Escort Agency: CMQ Escorts
Best Australian Female Stripper: Trinity Porter
Best Australian Male Stripper: Sidney Saayman
Best Australian Party Plan: Horny Little Devils Pty Ltd
Best Australian Porn Production or Production Company: Light Southern
Best Australian Porn Website: Adult Voyeur
Best Australian Sex Educator: Dr. Nikki Goldstein
Best Australian Sexy Fitness Company: Suzie Q Pole Studio
Best Australian Strip Agency: Chase Entertainment and Strippers
Best Australian Strip Club: Centrefold Lounge
Best Australian Adult Chain Store: Sexyland Australia
Best Australian Competition: Miss Pole Dance Australia
Best Australian Adult Independent Store: Max Black
Hall of Fame: John Conroy; John Myall
Australian Burlesque Industry Achievement Award: Mama Natalia Ristovska