The 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards have become one of the most anticipated events for anime fans worldwide. The event honors the best anime shows, characters, and performances of the year, recognizing the hard work and creativity that goes into bringing these beloved series to life. As one of the premier platforms for anime fans, Crunchyroll has established the awards as an essential celebration for both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the anime world.
Every year, the nominations for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards provide a snapshot of the trends, standout moments, and fan-favorite series that have left a significant mark on the anime industry. The 2022 edition was no different, featuring an exciting range of nominees across various categories, from Best Anime to Best Character Design, showcasing the diversity and creativity in the anime medium.
In this, we will walk through the full list of nominees for the 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2022, breaking down the contenders across several categories. Whether you are a fan of action-packed series or heartwarming stories, this guide will help you stay up to date on the nominees that made waves in the anime community during the previous year.
Categories and Nominees for the 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022
The 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards highlighted some of the most talked-about anime from 2021, with a mix of new entries and returning favorites. Here is a breakdown of the top categories and the nominees for each:
Best Anime
The “Best Anime” category is one of the most prestigious awards, recognizing the excellence of an anime series. The following nominees were selected based on their storytelling, animation quality, and impact on fans.
Attack on Titan Final Season Part 1
Jujutsu Kaisen
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World (Season 2)
Beastars (Season 2)
The Promised Neverland (Season 2)
Each of these anime series made a significant impact in 2021, capturing the attention of fans worldwide with their gripping stories and stunning animation. “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan Final Season” were particularly popular, with both being at the forefront of many fans’ minds during the year.
Best Protagonist
A good protagonist is the heart of any anime series, and in 2021, fans were treated to memorable leads who displayed strength, depth, and determination. The nominees for Best Protagonist were:
Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen
Nobara Kugisaki – Jujutsu Kaisen
Emilia – Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World (Season 2)
Luffy – One Piece
Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori, the main protagonist of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” gained significant attention due to his blend of humor, resilience, and emotional growth. His team members, Nobara Kugisaki and Satoru Gojo, were also nominated in this category, showcasing the strength of the ensemble cast in “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
Best Antagonist
No great anime is complete without a powerful antagonist who challenges the heroes. These characters bring complexity and tension to the stories they inhabit. The nominees for Best Antagonist were:
Ryomen Sukuna – Jujutsu Kaisen
Isabella – The Promised Neverland (Season 2)
Ains Ooal Gown – Overlord (Season 4)
Ymir – Attack on Titan Final Season
Orochimaru – Naruto Shippuden
Ryomen Sukuna from “Jujutsu Kaisen” became one of the fan-favorite antagonists due to his terrifying power and enigmatic personality. “The Promised Neverland” also saw Isabella’s twisted leadership draw strong reactions from audiences.
Best Animation
Animation quality is a crucial factor in determining the success of an anime, and the Best Animation category highlights the shows that stood out with their breathtaking visuals and unique artistic direction. The nominees were:
Jujutsu Kaisen
Beastars (Season 2)
Attack on Titan Final Season
Beastars
The Quintessential Quintuplets
The nominees in this category represented a variety of animation styles, from the dark, fluid animation of “Jujutsu Kaisen” to the beautifully rendered world of “The Quintessential Quintuplets.” These series showcased the vast range of artistic approaches within anime.
Best Character Design
The character designs of an anime can make or break its visual appeal. Great character design enhances the story and provides a deeper connection to the audience. The nominees for Best Character Design were:
Jujutsu Kaisen
Beastars (Season 2)
Wonder Egg Priority
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World (Season 2)
The Promised Neverland (Season 2)
Jujutsu Kaisen’s striking character designs helped up the show’s emotional and action-packed moments, while the unique, animal-human hybrids in “Beastars” made for one of the most distinctive visual experiences in 2021 anime.
Special Awards and Moments of 2022
Along with the main categories, the 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards also featured special recognitions, highlighting standout moments, creators, and trends in the anime industry.
Best New Anime
This category recognized the most successful new anime series of 2021, celebrating innovative storytelling and high-quality production that attracted new fans. Notable nominees included:
Attack on Titan Final Season
Jujutsu Kaisen
Beastars (Season 2)
Each of these series helped define 2021 with their compelling stories and stunning visuals. “Jujutsu Kaisen,” in particular, saw immense growth in popularity, cementing its place as one of the most influential series of the year.
Best Voice Acting Performance
Voice actors are a pivotal part of bringing anime characters to life, and this category celebrated the best performances of 2021. Some standout nominations were:
Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen)
Aoi Koga (Kaguya Shinomiya – Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
Yuuichi Nakamura (Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen)
The talented voice cast behind “Jujutsu Kaisen” was frequently recognized for their extraordinary performances, as they effectively conveyed the emotional depth of the characters, contributing to the show’s widespread acclaim.
The Road to the 6th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards began as a way to celebrate anime in a more organized, fan-driven format. Over the years, the event has grown to become an essential part of the anime calendar. The 6th Annual Awards reflected the continued rise of anime, with shows like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan” dominating the conversation.
The winners of these awards were selected based on a combination of fan votes and the expertise of industry professionals, ensuring that both popular and critically acclaimed anime had the chance to shine. The 2022 ceremony was streamed live, giving fans from all over the world the opportunity to celebrate and discuss the nominees and winners.
Anticipation for Future Crunchyroll Anime Awards
As we look forward to the upcoming Crunchyroll Anime Awards, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding the new nominations, especially with the growing popularity of anime around the globe. With every year, the event grows bigger, and the competition for the top categories intensifies. Fans will continue to support their favorite shows, eagerly awaiting the next round of nominations and winners in future editions of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
[Updated: 04/20/2025]
