The Global Power of Anime -Celebrating the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards-
Anime has grown into a global force that reaches people across cultures and generations. The annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards event - celebrating the creators, musicians, and voice actors who power the industry - once again brought the anime community together for a special night this year.
Crunchyroll, the anime-focused brand centered around its premium streaming service under the Sony Group, held its 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 23 in Tokyo, honoring anime titles and creators based on votes from fans around the world.
Marking the 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2026, the event featured a main awards ceremony with live performances, a dynamic pre-show with award presentations and talent interviews, and the signature Crunchyroll Orange Carpet, bringing together celebrities, creators, and anime fans from around the world.
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A Night to Celebrate Anime with Fans Around the World
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards determines winners across 32 categories by votes cast by fans worldwide, alongside a global panel of judges.
Eligibility criteria require a majority of a series to have aired or streamed online in Japan between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, at least in part; and to have had initial legal distribution outside of Japan begin within that year, at least in part.
This year's 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards saw more than 73 million votes cast worldwide - a record-breaking increase of approximately 40% year over year. The ceremony was hosted by Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira, who returned for their fourth consecutive year as hosts, and was livestreamed globally in 10 languages with simultaneous interpretation.
The ceremony began with Sony Group Corporation President and CEO Hiroki Totoki delivering an opening speech, where he expressed his appreciation to the creators, guests, and everyone gathered for the occasion.
Reflecting on how the Crunchyroll Anime Awards began 10 years ago as a simple idea to recognize "the incredible artistry, craftsmanship, and limitless creativity" of the anime industry, Totoki noted that anime has since become a global force that transcends borders and generations, connecting people around the world.
He also praised the dedication of manga artists, the tireless work of animation studios, and the passion of everyone involved, highlighting how their efforts have led to a creative renaissance unlike any seen before.
He further acknowledged the record number of votes cast this year and expressed his gratitude to fans around the world, adding that "your voices continue to shape the future of anime."
Looking Back on 10 Years of Anime
Winners across all categories were announced during the ceremony, with the top honor of Anime of the Year awarded to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. The award was presented to director Kenji Nagasaki by globally renowned artist and longtime anime fan The Weeknd, on behalf of fans around the world. Additionally, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns named Film of the Year, standout titles made their presence felt across each category.
Alongside the award presentations, the ceremony also featured performances by a range of artists. The event began with a performance by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating 10 years of the ceremony, accompanied by a video retrospective looking back on past Anime of the Year winners. When the 2017 winner Yuri!!! on ICE came on screen, DEAN FUJIOKA took the stage to perform its opening theme "History Maker," hyping up the audience.
The night also included electrifying music performances celebrating anime's enduring impact on popular culture. Yoko Takahashi delivered a powerful performance of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" in honor of the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, while PORNOGRAFFITTI commemorated the 10th anniversary and conclusion of My Hero Academia with a special performance. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION also took the stage with "Haruka Kanata," the iconic opening theme of Naruto, captivating fans both in Japan and around the world. The band will also deliver a special performance of "Skins," a new song from Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, featured exclusively in the VOD special.
The Global Impact Award, which honors visionary creators and works that have left an indelible mark on culture, history, and the hearts of audiences around the world, was presented to the late director Tatsuya Nagamine, known for his work on Ojamajo Doremi, PreCure, Dragon Ball Super, and ONE PIECE. Ahead of the presentation, a tribute highlighted his distinguished career, and the award was accepted on his behalf by animator Masayuki Sato, who worked closely with him.
The 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards can be viewed on demand via Crunchyroll's YouTube channel and the Sony Group's YouTube channel. For more information about the award-winning works, nominees, selection process, and more, please visit the Anime Awards Official Website.