Creative Arts Emmys Spotlight Docs With Roots in Adult Industry

Creative Arts Emmys Spotlight Docs With Roots in Adult Industry

LOS ANGELES — Two acclaimed, Emmy-nominated documentaries with roots in the adult industry took the spotlight Monday during the first of a multi-night series of virtual 2020 Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies.

Mark Lewis was awarded an Emmy statuette in the category of Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program for "Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer." The Netflix docu-series explores one of Canada’s most infamous crimes: the 2012 murder of Lin Jun by Luka Magnotta, who briefly worked as a stripper and adult performer.

Magnotta fled to Europe and was eventually apprehended in a Berlin internet café; in 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison.

"With its deconstruction of the psyche of an internet killer, 'Don't F**k with Cats' is one of the most compelling true crime docuseries that has been produced by Netflix to date," said Salon.com in its review, while Decider.com said the series provides "a fascinating look at how ordinary people can root out a killer using the same internet tools that are available to everyone."

A second documentary — one with a warm focus on the adult retail sector — was nominated in the same category: "Circus of Books," whose director Rachel Mason and co-writer Kathryn Robson were nominees.

That film tells the story of Karen and Barry Mason and their legendary West Hollywood retail outlet, which holds a seminal position in the history of adult entertainment in Los Angeles. The Masons elected to close Circus of Books and retire in early 2019. Rachel Mason revived its legacy with the doc, which toured the festival circuit, and an art exhibition at the Fierman Gallery in New York.

Netflix acquired worldwide rights to the film with Ryan Murphy boarding as executive producer. The film was among the 2020 Dorian Awards nominees for Best LGBTQ Documentary of the Year.

Rachel Mason spoke to XBIZ about the film's popularity — “Who knew the whole world cared about gay porn as much as we do?” she exclaimed — her family and the Circus of Books legacy (today, it is the location of Chi Chi LaRue's Circus, the second West Hollywood location for the boutique retailer).

Image source: Emmys Twitter

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Millie Morgan Stars in Latest From MILFY

Millie Morgan stars with Hollywood Cash and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, titled “Hot Blonde MILF Gets Tag-Teamed.”

Mick Blue Dishes on Role in BET Plus Crime Flick 'Dutch III'

Decorated performer Mick Blue has stepped outside of the adult industry to appear in "Dutch III: International Gangster," a new mainstream crime movie currently streaming on BET Plus.

Blake Blossom, Millie Morgan Topline 'Massage Seductions 4' From Sweetheart Video

Blake Blossom and Millie Morgan headline the fourth volume of “Massage Seductions” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Elegant Angel Rolls Out 'Performers of the Year 2025'

Elegant Angel has kicked off its annual "Performers of the Year" campaign with weekly double penetration scene releases as part of "DP Tuesdays."

Adult Time's 'How Women Orgasm' Series Spotlights Sarah Arabic

Sarah Arabic is spotlighted in the latest installment of "How Women Orgasm," from Adult Time studio banner Up Close.

Jessica Aaren, Wendy Raine & Harley Love Star in 'Freakier Friday' Parody From TeamSkeet

Jessica Aaren, Wendy Raine, and Harley Love star with Sage Roux in "I’m Still in My Stepdaughter's Body, Fuck Us Again," the latest parody release from TeamSkeet.

Princess Emily Makes Her Pure Taboo Debut

Princess Emily has made her debut for Pure Taboo in the new thriller, “Misguiding the Counselor.”

Rachael Cavalli Stars in New Elegant Angel Release

Rachael Cavalli stars with Don Sudan in a new scene from Elegant Angel.

Yhivi, Blake Blossom Front Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi and Blake Blossom star with Nathan Bronson in the latest Brazzers scene, “Suck Your Soul Out.”

Krystal Sparks Stars in Latest From MYLF

Krystal Sparks stars with Jayden Marcos in the latest release from MYLF, titled “Covered in Milk, Covered in Cum.”

Show More