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

Cassie Bender Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Cassie Bender has made her debut for new Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Christian and Damion Dayski.

Ryan Keely, Nicole Doshi Topline Latest From Sweetheart Video

Ryan Keely and Nicole Doshi headline the 19th volume of "Lesbian Adventures: Strap On Specialists" from Mile High Media's studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Wendy Raine Fronts 'Mamma Mia' Parody From MYLF

Wendy Raine stars with Eva Nyx and Quinton James in a “Mamma Mia” parody from MYLF, titled “Memories Cumming to My Mind.”

Briella Coley Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Briella Coley has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Jasmine Sherni Takes the Spotlight in 2-Part Brazzers Release

Jasmine Sherni stars in the two-part Brazzers scene titled “TroubleMakerzz.”

Linda Lan Performs 1st Anal, Headlines Jonni Darkko's 2nd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Linda Lan performs her first anal scene and toplines director Jonni Darkko’s sequel to “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings

Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."

Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.

Bella Spark, Kelly Collins Star in Finale of VMG Cross-Site Feature 'Bang and Burn'

Bella Spark and Kelly Collins star with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of the cross-site spy feature "Bang and Burn."

Show More