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The Weeknd Takes Center Stage at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026

This year's Crunchyroll Anime Awards is set to be a memorable event, as global superstar and Grammy-winning artist The Weeknd has been announced as a presenter at the ceremony. Taking place in Tokyo on May 23, 2026, The Weeknd will unveil the coveted title of "Anime of the Year."

The nominations for this prestigious category include popular titles such as Dandadan Season 2, Gachi Akuta, My Hero Academia: Final Season, The Sin of Tacopy, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 2, and The Summer When Light Died. Fans are currently encouraged to participate in voting, which runs until April 16, 2026, at 3:59 PM JST. Voting is allowed once per day per fan on the official Crunchyroll website and MyAnimeList.

The Weeknd, recognized as a long-time anime enthusiast, has publicly acknowledged the profound influence that anime has had on his work, especially on his debut project, House of Balloons. In his own words, "Anime has played a significant role in my creative journey, particularly the works of director Shinichiro Watanabe. Watching Samurai Champloo in my late teens fundamentally changed how I perceive film and music. The blend of samurai narratives and hip-hop in that series was revolutionary to me."

He recounts how iconic shows like Sailor Moon and the adventures of Goku inspired him, highlighting how early anime experiences helped shape his artistic sensibilities. The fusion of meticulous storytelling with exceptional soundscapes from musicians like Nujabes, Fat Jon, and FORCE OF NATURE in Samurai Champloo introduced him to a new realm of artistic expression that he carries into his music today.

Reflecting on his work, The Weeknd continues, "Without anime, it's fair to say that I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am proud to celebrate the creators behind anime and honor the medium that constantly inspires the world." His involvement as a presenter at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards signifies not only a celebration of anime culture but also a homage to the storytellers who have captured hearts globally.

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards, now in its tenth year, aims to honor those who contribute to the anime industry, including creators, musicians, and voice actors. The organization behind these awards collaborates with Sony Music Solutions and Dempsey Productions to ensure a grand event that highlights the best in anime, driven by fan votes across 32 categories.

For fans excited to engage with the awards, they can find all necessary information on the official websites and social media platforms including Crunchyroll's X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About The Weeknd

The Weeknd has made a significant impact in the music industry, recognized for multiple platinum and diamond certifications. He has redefined the sounds of R&B and pop, becoming one of the most streamed artists of the 21st century with over 115 million monthly listeners. His tour, After Hours Til Dawn, has set records, while his album After Hours holds the title of the most streamed R&B album ever. Furthermore, his hit single, Blinding Lights, is celebrated as one of the greatest songs in Billboard Hot 100 history.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll, LLC is a global brand dedicated to elevating the love of anime among fans. As the largest anime streaming platform, it provides an array of services, including an extensive library of shows, immersive events, theatrical anime, merchandise, gaming, and news, ensuring that fans can enjoy anime anytime, anywhere. Crunchyroll is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment.