The 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards brought together some of the biggest names in anime, music, and entertainment on May 23, 2026, at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo. One of anime’s biggest night winners was Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which received the film of the year honor during the 10th annual ceremony. Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina also received best score for their work on that movie. Meanwhile, Kenshi Yonezu was given the best anime song for “IRIS OUT” from Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. The event celebrated the different anime series and movies, featuring appearances from stars across music and entertainment.
Pop star The Weeknd presented the award for anime of the year, which went to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. Other celebrity presenters included Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, and K-pop artists BamBam and TEN. In addition, voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira returned as hosts for the fourth consecutive year. The opening segment included a tribute video to previous anime of the year winners, accompanied by music from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Finally, according to Crunchyroll, fans submitted a record 73 million votes worldwide for this year’s event.
The Weeknd presenting Anime Of The Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0WVSdXTkpQ
— The Weeknd News (@NewsWeeknd) May 23, 2026
Music performances were also present at the award show. Yoko Takahashi performed “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which first debuted in 1995. Then, rock band ASIAN KUNG FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata” from Naruto, while PORNOGRAFFITTI honored the 10th anniversary of My Hero Academia. Crunchyroll confirmed that a video-on-demand version of the show will be available for streaming on its platform and official YouTube channels.
Check out the full winners list here:
Anime of the Year: My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
Film of the Year: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
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 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 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