There’s no question that scoring a nomination for AVN’s Best New Starlet award can help propel a career.

But there’s also no evidence that not being nominated can damage it.

Some of the top talents in the adult industry today don’t have a Best New Starlet nomination on their resume. The most notable example is Angela White, who has won 68 AVN trophies in her storied career, including three for Female Performer of the Year.

Adriana Chechik, AVN’s Female Performer of the Year in 2017, wasn’t nominated for Best New Starlet. Neither were Lilly Bell, Octavia Red, Liz Jordan, and Chloe Amour—all of whom are finalists for Female Performer of the Year in 2026.

So fear not, Della Cate, Juniper Ren, Daisy Phoenix, and any other deserving talent who fell short of a BNS nomination. While the recognition would’ve been nice, being left off this year's list won’t impact your ability to have a high-level career.

Below are the names of 14 active performers who rose to the top of the industry after falling short of a Best New Starlet nomination.

Adriana Chechik

The squirt queen debuted in 2013 and quickly began shooting at a high volume. Within two years she'd earned a Female Performer of the Year nomination—and she won the award in 2017. Chechik now boasts 64 AVN nominations and nine trophies. She returned to shooting in 2025 following a lengthy hiatus.

Ameena Green

Former AVN Trophy Girl was one of the industry’s most in-demand performers in 2025, when she shot more than 60 scenes for the top studios in porn. Highly praised for her acting ability.

Angela White

Arguably the top adult star in history with 68 AVN trophies, including three for Female Performer of the Year. Boasts 10 million followers on Instagram and 3.3 million on X. Currently ranked No. 6 on Pornhub.

Chloe Amour

First-time Female Performer of the Year nominee boasts more than 700 career scenes. Recently graced the cover of AVN Magazine and had one of the industry’s top showcases (“Mon Amour” from Darkko) in 2025.

Emma Hix

Earned Female Performer of the Year nominations in 2021 and 2022 and won a trophy for Best POV Sex Scene in 2025. One of the best still photography models in all of porn.

Emma Rosie

Shot more than 100 scenes last year and could’ve easily been nominated for Female Performer of the Year. The most in-demand petite model in the industry. Was named Crush of the Year by PornCrush for 2025.

Kenna James

Earned three straight Female Performer of the Year nominations from 2021-23 and probably should’ve made the list in 2026. One of the industry’s top girl-girl performers. Has earned 36 AVN award nominations since 2017.

Lana Smalls

Career has experienced a noticeable surge the past two years following a somewhat slow start. Shot with some of the industry's top studios in 2025 including Vixen, Ricky's Room, Adult Time, and Bellesa. Extremely popular with male performers.

Lilly Bell

Nominated for Female Performer of the Year for the fourth straight year. One of the industry’s most consistent, hardest-working models has scored 23 AVN award nominations since 2023. Widely praised for her acting and for her girl-girl scenes. Recently started shooting anal.

Liz Jordan

High-level performer who flourishes in anal scenes. Nominated for Female Performer of the Year for the third consecutive year. Won an AVN award for Best Girl-Girl Sex Scene (with Vanna Bardot) in 2023.

Melody Marks

Currently ranked No. 34 on Pornhub and has been a mainstay in the Top 50 for more than two years. Excels in virtual reality (VR) scenes and won a 2025 AVN award for Best All-Girl Group Sex Scene. Has three nominations this year. Makes frequent trips to shoot in the Japan, where she is wildly popular.

Octavia Red

Boasts one of the best, all-natural bodies in the industry. Nominated for Female Performer of the Year for the second straight year. Had a breakout year in 2025, when she starred in multiple feature films. Won an AVN award for Best Girl-Girl Sex Scene (with Blake Blossom) in 2025.

Ryan Reid

Captured three AVN trophies in 2025 (Best Blowbang, Best DP, Best Orgy/Foursome) and is a leading candidate to win Best Lead Actress in 2026 for her performance in “Deadly Vows.” Brazzers contract star.

Violet Myers

One of the most popular porn stars in the world with 2.8 million followers on both X and Instagram. Currently ranked No. 10 on Pornhub. Won AVN awards in 2024 for Favorite Female Porn Star (fan vote) and Best Boy-Girl Sex Scene.