Comedian Bobby Slayton hosted the show for the third time; his co-host was adult film star Teri Weigel.

These awards[3] were announced, but not presented, in two pre-recorded winners-only segments shown on the ballroom's video monitors during the event.

Trophies were given to the recipients off-stage: AVN Hall of Fame inductees for 2002 were: Christoph Clark, Patrick Collins, Raquel Darrian, Samantha Fox, Janine Lindemulder, Missy, Michael Ninn, Rocco Siffredi, P. J. Sparxxx, Randy Spears, Tianna[3] The following releases received the most nominations.

After returning to his seat he was thronged by about 100 fans eager to meet or congratulate him, obstructing the view of people sitting behind, although the crowd did disperse without incident.

[3] Then AVN publisher Paul Fishbein went on stage to present the Reuben Sturman Memorial Special Achievement Award to Cincinnati retailer Elyse Metcalf.

[3] John Leslie and Joey Silvera ended the show by asking for a moment of silence in memory of late director Alex de Renzy who had died in 2001.