The 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 delivered one of its biggest nights yet, with a record 73 million votes cast by fans worldwide. Held in Tokyo on May 23, the ceremony celebrated a decade of honoring anime’s top creators, performers, and productions. This milestone edition highlighted just how far anime has come as a global entertainment force. With major celebrity presenters and live performances, the event blended spectacle with recognition. The biggest headline saw My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON win Anime of the Year.
The award was presented by The Weeknd, reflecting anime’s growing influence in mainstream pop culture. My Hero Academia’s final season taking the top prize highlights its long-standing popularity and emotional connection with fans. At the same time, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle secured Film of the Year, continuing the franchise’s dominance. The ceremony was hosted once again by Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira, marking their fourth consecutive year leading the event. Their presence added consistency to this landmark celebration.
Major Winners Across Categories
Beyond the top honors, several standout titles defined the night across multiple categories. Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- won Best Action and Best Animation, showcasing its technical quality and massive fan appeal. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 also dominated with wins for Best Drama, Best Director, and major character awards. These results reinforced its strong storytelling and critical acclaim.
Meanwhile, Gachiakuta emerged as a breakout hit by winning Best New Series, Best Background Art, and Best Character Design. Other notable winners included One Piece for Best Continuing Series and SPY x FAMILY Season 3 for Best Slice of Life. These wins reflect a balance between long-running fan favorites and fresh new entries shaping the anime terrain. Overall, the awards showcased the diversity and evolution of modern anime storytelling.
Performances and Cultural Highlights
The ceremony also stood out for its musical performances and tributes to anime’s cultural legacy. Yoko Takahashi performed a tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion, celebrating its 30th anniversary with “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” The performance connected longtime fans with one of anime’s most iconic series. Meanwhile, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata,” a beloved opening theme from Naruto.
The night also featured orchestral performances by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, revisiting past Anime of the Year winners. These segments added emotional depth and nostalgia to the ceremony. Music has always been a core part of anime’s identity, and the event leaned heavily into that connection. Together, these performances elevated the awards beyond a standard ceremony into a full celebration of anime culture.
Tatsuya Nagamine Honored With Global Impact Award
A major highlight of the evening was the Global Impact Award presented to Tatsuya Nagamine. Known for his work on Dragon Ball Super and One Piece, Nagamine has played a key role in shaping globally successful anime. His contributions have influenced both storytelling and how anime reaches international audiences. The award recognized his long-lasting impact on the industry.
The honor was accepted by Masayuki Sato, a close collaborator who worked with Nagamine on multiple projects. This moment highlighted the collaborative nature of anime production and the importance of behind-the-scenes talent. It also reinforced how creators continue to push anime’s global reach. The tribute added emotional weight to an already memorable night.
A Record-Breaking Year for Anime Fans
This year’s 73 million votes marked a record for the awards, with major participation from countries like India, Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico. This level of engagement shows how anime continues to expand beyond its traditional markets. The global fanbase is more active and influential than ever. It also reflects how streaming platforms have made anime more accessible worldwide.
The ceremony will soon be available to stream on Crunchyroll and its official YouTube channels. Fans who missed the live event will still be able to experience the highlights and performances. As anime continues to grow, events like these play a key role in celebrating its success. The 2026 Anime Awards ultimately proved that anime is not just thriving, it is becoming a dominant part of global entertainment culture.
