The global popularity of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- continues to grow, as Season 3 has officially been crowned Best Isekai at the 10th edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The ceremony took place on May 23, 2026, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo, marking a milestone year for one of anime’s biggest annual events.
The win highlights the series’ continued dominance within the isekai genre, especially as it celebrates its 10th anniversary since its debut in 2016. With strong fan support and critical recognition, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
A Major Win for a Global Anime Favorite
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards have become one of the most recognized platforms for honoring anime across the world since launching in 2017. Winners are selected through a combination of global fan votes and input from a panel of industry judges, making the results a reflection of both popularity and critical appreciation.
At this year’s event, Re:ZERO Season 3 stood out in the highly competitive Best Isekai category. The award reinforces the show’s reputation as one of the defining titles of the genre, known for its darker storytelling, emotional depth, and character-driven narrative.
This is not the first time the series has been recognized, but winning again at such a major stage signals consistent quality and strong audience engagement across multiple seasons.
Director Masahiro Shinohara Reacts to the Achievement
Following the ceremony, director Masahiro Shinohara shared his thoughts during a press interview, offering insight into what the award means for the team behind the series.
“Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a truly profound honor,”
Shinohara said.
“This achievement is the direct result of our staff and voice actors working together as a united team. I am incredibly grateful and happy.”
His comments highlight the collaborative effort behind the production, emphasizing that the success of Re:ZERO is not tied to a single creator but to the combined work of its cast and crew.
A Creative Decision That Paid Off
Shinohara also revealed a behind-the-scenes story from the Season 3 finale that gives fans a look into the creative process. According to the director, there was internal disagreement about how the final moments of the last episode should be handled.
“For the very end of the final episode of Season 3, my original plan was to play the music and roll the episode subtitle simultaneously,”
he explained.
“However, our sound director initially opposed this idea.”
Despite the hesitation, Shinohara chose to follow his instincts.
“In the end, it created a conclusion for Season 3 that resonated deeply with the viewers,”
he said, adding that he believes fans were satisfied with the result.
This moment underscores how creative risks can shape the emotional impact of a series, especially in a story as intense and layered as Re:ZERO.
A Message to Fans Around the World
Beyond the award itself, Shinohara took the opportunity to acknowledge the global fanbase that has supported the series over the years.
“We can truly feel your incredible passion and energy reaching us from across the ocean,”
he said.
“I truly believe this series progresses hand-in-hand with all of our fans, so let us continue to walk this journey together.”
This message reflects the international appeal of Re:ZERO, which has built a dedicated audience far beyond Japan. The series’ themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and emotional struggle have resonated with viewers worldwide, contributing to its long-term success.
