A quick glance at Amber's release schedule might make people ask if she's still active, and it’s understandable - her output has been quiet enough to make even attentive fans wonder. The 22-year-old delivered some of her strongest work last year in the form of Third Space Part 1 and Cucked, but her appearances have been more scattered this year. If you look hard enough, though, you'll find her working with sites you've never even heard about, and that contrast says a lot: Amber clearly still enjoys performing, but seems selective about where and how she shows up. That leaves you wishing the right studios would knock louder, because the audience is definitely still waiting.

From the moment she stepped into the industry, it was obvious Aubree had at least two things working in her favor: one of the best asses in the game and an infectious, all-in enthusiasm that elevates every scene she’s in. What’s surprising is that, despite that combination, it never quite feels like she’s booked as often as someone of her caliber should be - even though she’s quietly built a catalog nearing 250 scenes. This year alone, she’s appeared for Brazzers, Nubile Films, and MissaX, and shared the screen with names like Gal Ritchie and Jewelz Blu, yet it still feels like the surface has barely been scratched. Aubree deserves to be in far heavier rotation than she is.

We were a bit surprised that Chloe’s name was absent from the list of finalists for Best New Starlet (AVN) and Best New Performer (XBIZ), as she was more than worthy of a nomination. The Pacific Northwest native has shot more than 60 studio scenes since her 2024 debut for A-list studios, including Vixen, Brazzers, and Evil Angel. And she played a prominent role in the Digital Playground feature “Synthesis.” Standing 5-foot-10 with dreamy auburn hair that cascades down her back, Chloe has a look all her own. She does exceptionally well in girl-girl scenarios—check out her Slayed scene with Natalia Starr—but is solid all-around. Hopefully, 2026 will bring a steady stream of bookings for Chloe, and she’ll begin to get the recognition she deserves.

Blowjobs are often treated like an appetizer - something rushed through on the way to the main event - but from the very start, Delilah refused to let that part be skipped. Her debut, a 50-minute encounter for HussiePass, left both her scene partner and the camera crew dumbfounded by her skills. But her mouth isn't her only credential, as she boasts one of the nicest petite bodies in the industry, with perfect 32B tits, a tight midsection, and a perky little ass. Having logged most of her work with BangBros, Team Skeet, and the PornPlus network, Delilah already feels like someone poised for a broader stage - and 2026 should be the year more studios realize just how much they’ve been missing.

Ever since Demi earned a Best New Starlet nomination at the 2024 AVNs, she’s steadily carved out a reputation as one of the most compelling petite stars in the game, and perhaps even more so as a girl-girl performer. Last year brought a Best Girl/Girl Sex Scene nod for Learning The Basics, where her playful chemistry with Explicit Kait and her genuinely curious reactions stood out. That momentum carried into this year with Adult Time’s Escape From Camp Conversion, and another awards-level role in Wetness, pairing her with Stella Luxx in a sleek, mirror-lined setting. Still, Demi’s range goes well beyond lesbian scenes - her BlackedRaw appearances this year make it clear she’ll look effortlessly good in any setup.

Even with a relatively modest release count for someone four years into her career, Gia has always felt like more of a scheduling mystery than a lack-of-demand story. Her first scene - a RealityKings threesome - dropped four years ago, and in just over 50 releases since, she’s made a lasting impression thanks to striking blonde looks, piercing blue eyes, and an absolutely unreal ass. Much of that slower output came from balancing porn with exotic dancing, but as she’s now made clear on social media, her focus has shifted entirely to her pornstar era. Or, as the 26-year-old herself perfectly put it, she was “meant to be adored in HD worldwide. Studios should be lining up to make that happen.

A quieter release slate can sometimes read like a step back, and as Haley put out just nine scenes this year, it feels like the perfect moment to reassess a glaring oversight: how strange it is that award bodies have largely ignored her. Across her entire career, she’s picked up just four nominations from AVN and XBIZ combined - a baffling number for a performer of her caliber. Haley doesn’t perform at the camera; it really feels like she’s this gorgeous girl who just wants to fuck, to please and be pleased, refusing to fake volume or exaggeration on command. Scenes like the iconic DP gangbang Pass Me Around or the beautifully shot Teens Like It Rough 4 should’ve been easy contenders. That they weren’t feels like a huge miss.

When Hazel burst onto the scene in 2019, she immediately stood out as one of the most striking performers in the industry. Radiant brown hair, porcelain-pale skin, and top-notch breasts made her instantly memorable, but the real surprise came in how quickly she pushed past any “innocent” expectations. Hazel turned in her anal card early and has since delivered some of the most consistently strong anal work in the business. Her oral skills have sharpened with time as well, and she’s even crossed into legitimate mainstream acting, a range that earned her an AVN nomination for Best Actress for her role in Pure Taboo’s The Party’s Over.

Directors and agents can offer their opinions, but the No. 1 source for feedback on female performers should be the men who have sex with them. In the case of Lana Smalls, the reviews are always glowing. “She’s the best,” one prominent male star told PornCrush. “I’d fuck her every day if I could.” Lana’s profile rose significantly in 2026, when she shot approximately 60 studio scenes for top studios, including Vixen (Deeper), Adult Time, Nubiles, Naughty America, and BANG! Still, the feeling here is that the 24-year-old brunette is undervalued as a performer, something that should change in 2026 now that she is represented by the surging agency InVision Models, which should give Lana the push she deserves.

The porn industry can be catty. Cliques are common. Performers often bicker online, and petty jealousies abound. Somehow, Millie Morgan navigates through it all unscathed. You won’t find anyone who doesn’t adore the bouncy, bubbly bundle of energy who always has a twinkle in her eye (especially when she’s at In ’N’ Out). Millie scored a pair of AVN nominations last month (for Best Oral Sex Scene and Best Tag Team Sex Scene), and we were thrilled to see her finally get some long-overdue recognition. The hope here is that 2026 will be filled with even more high-level bookings and that Millie’s name will be a staple in any conversation involving not only the most likable performers in the business, but the best ones, too.

It may seem strange to include Natalie on an “underrated” list, considering she recently scored a nomination in the AVN Awards’ most prominent scene category. But her steamy boy-girl tryst with Vince Karter for Brazzers only validates our belief that Natalie should be getting way more high-level bookings than she did in 2026. Other than the fact that she doesn’t shoot anal (yet), Natalie checks all the boxes of a top-flight female performer. She excels in fast-paced, intense gonzo-style porn—her scene with Karter is a must-watch—but can also flourish in sensual, passionate scenarios, as evidenced by her hookup with Robbie Apples for Nubiles, which earned a Top 10 scene of the month ranking from PornCrush in May. With a natural build and few tattoos, Natalie should be a favorite among gooners who prefer a girl-next-door look. And when it comes to asses, the eight-year industry veteran has one of the best in the business. Natalie recently switched agencies and is now represented by Mark Spiegler, which should help elevate the profile of one of porn’s most undervalued talents.

It’s puzzling that Penelope has been in the business for five years and has largely gone unrecognized in award nominations. With a thick, healthy backside that she loves to twerk, Penelope is one of the top anal performers in the industry and a favorite of ass enthusiast Mike Adriano. She’s excelled in intense gonzo scenes for studios such as Evil Angel but can also flourish in sensual encounters, especially when they involve other girls. In an industry where performers come and go and take extended breaks, Penelope has been a model of consistency, averaging approximately 60 scenes per year since her 2021 debut. She’s also drama-free both in person and online. Seriously, what’s not to like about this 5-foot-2 Latina stunner?

Brunette, armed with the sweetest smile and a pair of perky 34C tits, Rose might as well be a living banner for the girl-next-door archetype. If you’ve seen The First Taste for MissaX, you already know how naturally she slips into that role, keeping the seduction refreshingly simple rather than hiding behind elaborate lingerie or overworked setups. A fitted floral crop top and classic denim were all she needed to sell the fantasy, tapping into the same effortless charm that made similar characters iconic in classic coming-of-age movies. As one of the freshest names on this list and now newly based in Los Angeles, the 26-year-old feels poised for a real breakout.

One of the greatest American injustices of the 2020s—well, at least in the adult industry—occurred earlier this month when Whitney (somehow) failed to earn an AVN nomination for “Most Amazing Ass.” Seriously, take one look at that backside and then try to find a more picture-perfect posterior. It literally satisfies every category on an ass-lover’s checklist. Whitney’s stunning bronze body—which also features a gorgeous pair of legs and a toned torso—isn’t the only thing she brings to the table. Watch her perform for just a few minutes, and it’s clear that sex is more than her job; it’s her passion. Whitney shot approximately 40 studio scenes in 2025 for reputable companies, including Evil Angel, Bellesa, Naughty America, and Team Skeet. She needs more of those shoots and opportunities with Brazzers, Vixen, BANG!, and other A-list companies. It’s time for that tush to get a push.

One of the top trans performers in all of porn, Zariah has collected a slew of AVN award nominations over the last several years. And rightfully so. She’s a well-hung power top who also excels as a bottom. She flourishes in acting roles and works well with cis men, cis women, and other trans talents. Simply put, Zariah does everything—and she does it well. Hopefully, 2026 will be the year when she wins her first AVN trophy. Transfixed's Feeling Her Way, co-starring Kenna James, is our favorite nominee in the Best Trans One-on-One Scene category. And her nominated hookup with Leilani Li and Jewelz Blu is a must-watch, too. Zariah has worked as hard as any performer in her genre since entering the industry. It’s time for this recently-married star to get her flowers.