Anime’s biggest annual celebration is back, as the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards prepares to take place in Tokyo with a massive global livestream. Marking its tenth anniversary, the event promises a star-powered showcase featuring global celebrities, musical performances, and major award announcements. Organized by Crunchyroll, the ceremony will stream worldwide on May 23 across platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.
The pre-show kicks off at 5:00 PM JST, followed by the main ceremony at 6:00 PM JST, with global time slots tailored for international audiences, including a 1:30 PM IST pre-show and 2:30 PM IST main event for viewers in India. U.S. viewers can tune in at 4:00 AM ET for the pre-show and 5:00 AM ET for the main ceremony. This year’s awards highlight the continued global rise of anime, bringing together creators, performers, and fans for a unified celebration. With support from Sony Music Solutions and Dempsey Productions, the show aims to deliver a high-production spectacle worthy of its milestone year.
Celebrity Presenters and The Weeknd Headline Anime’s Biggest Night
One of the biggest draws of this year’s ceremony is its impressive lineup of presenters and performers. Global music icon The Weeknd will take center stage to present the coveted Anime of the Year award. He will be joined by notable figures including RZA, acclaimed actor Winston Duke, Latin music star Young Miko, and K-pop artists BamBam and TEN.
The event will also feature live performances from artists closely tied to anime culture. Performers include DEAN FUJIOKA, known for his work on Yuri!!! on ICE, PORNOGRAFFITTI from My Hero Academia, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION from Naruto, and Yoko Takahashi of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame. These performances are expected to add a concert-like atmosphere to the ceremony, blending music and anime into one global event.
Anime of the Year Nominees Highlight a Strong Year
The Anime of the Year category remains the centerpiece of the awards, featuring six major contenders that represent the best of the medium. This year’s nominees include DAN DA DAN Season 2, Gachiakuta, My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, Takopi’s Original Sin, The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2), and The Summer Hikaru Died. These titles reflect a mix of returning hits and fresh storytelling, showcasing anime’s evolving creative terrain.
Beyond the top category, awards will be presented across 32 different categories, recognizing achievements in animation, voice acting, music, and more. The full nominee list highlights the diversity of anime genres and global talent involved in production. This wide-ranging recognition reinforces the awards’ role as one of the most comprehensive celebrations of anime worldwide.
Global Livestream Expands Access to Fans Worldwide
The 2026 ceremony continues Crunchyroll’s push toward global accessibility, with the livestream available in multiple languages across various platforms. Fans can tune in through official YouTube and Twitch channels, along with TikTok streams, making it easier than ever to watch the event live. The broadcast will support multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Spanish, French, and more.
This approach reflects Crunchyroll’s broader mission to make anime a central part of global pop culture. With millions of fans tuning in each year, the Anime Awards have evolved into more than just an industry event. They now serve as a worldwide celebration that connects audiences across different regions and languages.
As the countdown to May 23 begins, anticipation continues to build around who will take home the biggest honors of the night. With a strong nominee lineup, high-profile presenters, and live performances, the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
