My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer Dominate the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards

The global animation community turned its eyes to Tokyo this past weekend as the 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards celebrated the industry’s most impactful creators, performers, and musicians. Held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the ceremony highlighted the growing international footprint of anime, marked by a record-breaking 73 million votes cast by fans worldwide.

A Night of Major Wins

The ceremony’s top honor, Anime of the Year, was awarded to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. The award was presented by The Weeknd, a self-described longtime fan of the medium, and accepted by director Kenji Nagasaki. The series enjoyed a successful night, securing four awards in total, including recognition for its ending sequence and supporting character development.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle cemented its status as a cinematic powerhouse, taking home the award for Film of the Year. The film also saw composers Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina honored with the award for Best Score. The evening also featured a special 30th-anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion, highlighted by a performance of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by singer Yoko Takahashi.

Celebrity Presence and Cultural Impact

The event served as a bridge between the anime industry and broader pop culture, with an orange carpet featuring an array of international stars. Presenters and guests included Wu-Tang Clan founding member RZA, musician Young Miko, and K-pop stars BamBam, and TEN. The ceremony was hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, who guided the audience through a program that underscored anime’s enduring influence on global entertainment.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Awards

• Record Engagement: A record 73 million votes were cast, reflecting the continued exponential growth of the anime audience.
• Musical Recognition: Kenshi Yonezu took home the award for Best Anime Song for “IRIS OUT” from Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.
• Production Excellence: The ceremony featured a performance by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hirofumi Kurita with arrangements by Kazunori Miyake, celebrating the legacy of past winners.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards conclude, the industry appears poised for another year of high-profile releases and continued global expansion. By honoring the technical artistry behind the screen—ranging from background art and character design to voice performance and musical scoring—the awards continue to serve as the definitive barometer for the state of modern animation. With fan participation hitting new heights, the anticipation for next year’s slate of contenders is already building.

For a complete list of winners and further coverage of the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, visit the official Crunchyroll news portal.