Ronny Sianturi
Tokyo, Japan – The vibrant heart of Tokyo pulsed with excitement Saturday night as the 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards celebrated the pinnacle of global animation. In a dazzling ceremony that underscored the burgeoning influence of anime worldwide, the final season of My Hero Academia was crowned Anime of the Year, while the blockbuster film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle secured the prestigious Film of the Year award. The event, held in the Japanese capital, saw a record-breaking 73 million fan votes cast from across the globe, a testament to anime’s exponential growth and its deep connection with a diverse international audience.
This year’s edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards not only highlighted the most celebrated series and films but also served as a powerful indicator of anime’s expanding cultural footprint. The sheer volume of fan participation, surpassing the previous year’s 51 million votes, underscores a significant surge in engagement and passion for the medium.
A Star-Studded Night Celebrating Global Animation
The ceremony itself was a spectacle, drawing a constellation of international stars and industry heavyweights to its distinctive orange carpet. Among the notable attendees were Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Black Panther actor Winston Duke, Grammy-nominated rapper Young Miko, K-pop sensations BamBam and TEN, acclaimed Japanese actors Asuka Saito, Kasumi Arimura, and Nanase Nishino, and popular Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna. Hosting duties were expertly managed by Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu, alongside popular YouTube creator Gigguk, who provided insightful commentary and engaging interactions throughout the evening.
Adding a significant touch of star power to the awards, global music superstar and self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, The Weeknd, made a special appearance. He presented the coveted Anime of the Year award to the creators of My Hero Academia. The final season of the beloved series, produced by Bones, was a significant winner of the night, clinching a total of four accolades, including Anime of the Year, Best Ending Sequence, and Best Supporting Character.
Demon Slayer Dominates with Multiple Wins
While My Hero Academia took the top series honor, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, a Sony/Crunchyroll co-production that has shattered box office records, emerged as the most decorated title of the evening. The film garnered an impressive seven awards, though a significant portion of these celebrated the exceptional voice talent across various languages. In the primary competitive categories, Demon Slayer secured the Best Score award, alongside its highly anticipated win for Film of the Year. The film’s box office success, exceeding $781 million globally, further cements its status as a cultural phenomenon and a benchmark for animated features.
A Look at the Night’s Major Winners and Emerging Trends
The 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards showcased a diverse range of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite titles, reflecting the rich tapestry of the current anime landscape.
Key Winners and Highlights:
- Anime of the Year: My Hero Academia (final season) – The culmination of the popular superhero saga resonated deeply with fans, earning it the night’s highest honor.
- Film of the Year: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – The visually stunning and narratively compelling film continued its dominance in the film category.
- Best New Series: Gachiakuta – Bones Film’s adaptation of Kei Urana’s dystopian manga proved to be a breakout hit, securing three significant awards, including Best Background Art and Best Character Design. The early success of Gachiakuta has already spurred anticipation for its announced second season.
- Best Continuing Series: One Piece – The enduring legacy of Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic was recognized with the award for Best Continuing Series, a testament to its consistent quality and global appeal.
- Best Drama: The Apothecary Diaries (season 2) – Toho Animation Studio/OLM’s historical mystery series captivated audiences, earning four awards, including Best Director and Best Main Character for its protagonist, Maomao.
- Best Animation: Solo Leveling season 2 – Arise from the Shadow – A-1 Pictures’ adaptation of the popular web novel, which was a major contender at the 2025 awards, continued its strong performance, taking home the Best Animation award for its second season.
The awards ceremony also provided a platform to acknowledge the vital contributions of various creative elements within anime production. Awards for Best Original Anime, Best Opening Sequence, Best Ending Sequence, Best Score, and Best Background Art highlighted the intricate craftsmanship involved in bringing these stories to life.
Analysis of the Awards and Industry Trends
The overwhelming fan engagement at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards points to a sustained and accelerating global demand for anime content. The record-breaking number of votes suggests a growing demographic of dedicated fans who are actively participating in the recognition and celebration of their favorite series. This trend is likely to encourage further investment and production in the anime industry, both domestically in Japan and internationally.
The presence of global celebrities like The Weeknd, RZA, and Winston Duke at the awards ceremony signifies anime’s transition from a niche interest to a mainstream cultural force. Their involvement not only lends prestige to the event but also introduces anime to wider audiences through their platforms and fan bases. This cross-cultural appeal is a crucial factor in anime’s continued global expansion.
Furthermore, the diverse range of winning categories, from Best Drama and Best Comedy to specific performance awards in multiple languages, illustrates the multifaceted nature of anime’s appeal. The recognition of voice actor performances in languages beyond Japanese and English, including Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Italian, and Latin Spanish, highlights Crunchyroll’s commitment to global accessibility and the growing importance of localized dubs in engaging international fanbases.
The success of titles like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer in the top categories reinforces the enduring popularity of established franchises that have cultivated loyal followings over years. However, the strong showing of newer series like Gachiakuta and The Apothecary Diaries indicates a healthy appetite for fresh narratives and innovative storytelling within the industry. The continued dominance of action and shonen genres in the awards is also noteworthy, reflecting their widespread appeal, while the inclusion of categories like Best Romance and Best Slice of Life demonstrates the breadth of stories being told and appreciated within the anime sphere.
A Look Back: The Evolution of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards, established in 2017, has steadily grown in prominence, mirroring the global ascent of anime itself. Initially conceived as a platform to recognize excellence in anime as chosen by the fans, it has evolved into one of the most anticipated events on the anime calendar. The move to host the awards in Tokyo for its 10th edition, a symbolic return to anime’s birthplace, further solidified its international standing. Each year, the awards reflect shifts in audience preferences and the industry’s creative output, providing a valuable snapshot of the anime landscape. The increasing number of nominees and categories, alongside the surge in fan participation, underscores the awards’ growing influence and its role in shaping the narrative around anime’s cultural impact.
Full List of 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Award Winners:
Anime of the Year
- My Hero Academia (final season)
Film of the Year
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Original Anime
- Lazarus
Best Continuing Series
- One Piece
Best New Series
- Gachiakuta
Best Opening Sequence
- "On The Way" – AiNA THE END – DAN DA DAN (season 2)
Best Ending Sequence
- "I" – BUMP OF CHICKEN – My Hero Academia (final season)
Best Action
- Solo Leveling (season 2) – Arise from the Shadow
Best Comedy
- DAN DA DAN (season 2)
Best Drama
- The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Isekai Anime
- RE:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (season 3)
Best Romance
- The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
Best Slice of Life
- SPY x FAMILY (season 3)
Best Animation
- Solo Leveling season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
Best Background Art
- Gachiakuta
Best Character Design
- Gachiakuta
Best Director
- Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Main Character
- Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Supporting Character
- Katsuki Bakugo – My Hero Academia (final season)
"Must Protect At All Cost" Character
- Anya Forger – SPY x FAMILY (season 3)
Best Anime Song
- "IRIS OUT" – Kenshi Yonezu – Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Best Score
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina
Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese)
- Aoi Yuki – Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Voice Artist Performance (English)
- Lucien Dodge – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Voice Artist Performance (Arabic)
- Tariq Obaid – Taro Sakamoto – SAKAMOTO DAYS
Best Voice Artist Performance (Brazilian Portuguese)
- Charles Emmanuel – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Voice Artist Performance (Castilian Spanish)
- Carles Teruel – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Voice Artist Performance (French)
- Bastien Bourlé – Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia (final season)
Best Voice Artist Performance (German)
- Gerrit Schmidt–Foß – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi)
- Abhishek Sharma – Jinshi – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian)
- Mosè Singh – Denji – Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Best Voice Artist Performance (Latin Spanish)
- Jose Antonio Toledano – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
