Anime Awards 2026: My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer Infinity Castle win top honour

The tenth edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 turned into a grand celebration of anime’s ever-expanding global footprint, with My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON taking home the coveted Anime of the Year honour. Held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, the milestone event celebrated a decade of anime excellence with creators, performers and global stars coming together for one of the industry’s biggest nights.

Hosted once again by voice actor Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, the ceremony featured appearances by international actors, musicians, esports personalities and creators. The night’s biggest award was presented by The Weeknd, who awarded Anime of the Year to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. The presenters’ line-up also included Rashmika Mandanna, BamBam, TEN, Winston Duke and RZA.

One of the standout moments of the evening was a tribute to anime’s cultural legacy through live performances. Yoko Takahashi celebrated the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion with a performance of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”, while ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata”, one of the most iconic opening themes from Naruto.

Director Tatsuya Nagamine was honoured with the Global Impact Award for his contribution to globally influential franchises including Dragon Ball Super and ONE PIECE.

Crunchyroll also revealed that a record-breaking 73 million votes were cast this year. India emerged as one of the top five most engaged countries alongside Brazil, Germany, Mexico and the United States, highlighting anime’s rapidly growing popularity among Indian audiences.

Among the major winners of the night, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle won Film of the Year, while Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- bagged awards for Best Action and Best Animation. Gachiakuta emerged as a strong favourite with wins for Best New Series, Best Background Art and Best Character Design. The Apothecary Diaries (season 2) won Best Drama, while Maomao from the series won Best Main Character.

Full winners list for Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026

Anime of the Year: My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

Film of the Year: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Original Anime: Lazarus

Best Continuing Series: ONE PIECE

Best New Series: Gachiakuta

Best Opening Sequence: “On The Way” by AiNA THE END for DAN DA DAN Season 2

Best Ending Sequence: “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN for 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 and Norihiro Naganuma for The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Main Character: Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Supporting Character: Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

‘Must Protect At All Cost’ Character: Anya Forger from SPY x FAMILY Season 3

Best Anime Song: “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Best Score: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina

Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese): Aoi Yuki for Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Voice Artist Performance (English): Lucien Dodge for Akaza in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi): Abhishek Sharma for Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

The ceremony’s video-on-demand version, along with exclusive content, will stream soon on Crunchyroll and the platform’s official YouTube channels.