Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026: Honoring Creativity in Animation
The stage was set for the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 23, 2026, at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, where the best in anime were celebrated. Fans around the globe tuned in for this spectacular event, which recognized exceptional contributions from creators, musicians, and voice actors in the anime industry.
Awards Highlights
This year, the prestigious
Anime of the Year award went to
My Hero Academia: Final Season, a series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide for its compelling storytelling and rich character development. The
Film of the Year was awarded to
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Mugen Train Arc: Chapter One, further establishing the film's impact in the anime community.
In an emotional tribute, the late director Tatsuya Nagamine received the
Global Impact Award for his unforgettable contributions to the field. His works, which include beloved series such as
Ojamajo Doremi,
Precure, and
Dragon Ball Super, have left a significant mark on anime culture around the world.
Celebrity Presenters
The awards ceremony hosted an array of celebrities who joined the festivities, lending their voices to the celebration of anime. Notable presenters included:
- - The Weeknd, globally recognized for his influence in music and culture, presented the Anime of the Year award.
- - Asuka Saito, a beloved actor representing a new generation in Japanese cinema.
- - K-pop sensation BamBam, who brought a refreshing energy to the stage.
- - Enako, a world-renowned cosplayer, whose creativity resonates with anime fans everywhere.
- - Kasumi Arimura, an award-winning actress celebrated for her versatility and talent.
A Memorable Ceremony
The ceremony began with a striking performance by the Tokyo Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hirofumi Kurita and arranged by Kazutaka Miyake, showcasing past winners in an elegant video presentation. Special performances honored legendary anime series with nostalgic musical tributes. Yoko Takahashi performed the iconic
A Cruel Angel's Thesis to celebrate the 30th anniversary of
Neon Genesis Evangelion, while Porno Graffitti marked the 10th anniversary of
My Hero Academia with their music.
The event also featured a pre-show hosted by Crunchyroll personalities Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu, alongside popular YouTuber Gigguk, who engaged viewers with lively discussions and content.
Record Fan Engagement
This year’s awards saw a record-breaking turnout with an astounding
73 million votes cast by anime fans around the world. Countries such as Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United States contributed significantly to the voting pool.
Check out Crunchyroll's official YouTube channel to catch the ceremony on demand, where exclusive content will also be available soon.
Full List of Winners
Some key awards from the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 include:
- - Best Original Anime: Lazarus
- - Best Continuing Series: One Piece
- - Best New Series: Gachi Actress
- - Best Action: Solo Leveling Season 2
- - Best Comedy: Dandadan Season 2
- - Best Drama: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 2
- - Best Animation: Solo Leveling Season 2
- - Best Character Design: Gachi Actress
Conclusion
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards not only celebrate the artistic achievements in the realm of anime but also highlight the growing community of fans who shape its future. As the anime landscape continues to evolve, these annual awards serve as a testament to the industry’s dynamic and passionate fanbase.
For more details and the complete list of winners, visit the official Crunchyroll website and follow Crunchyroll on social media platforms to stay updated with the latest news and releases.