Rashmika Mandanna returns as presenter at Anime Awards 2026, joins The Weeknd
Rashmika Mandanna will return as a presenter at the 10th Global Anime Awards in Tokyo on May 23, where The Weeknd will also join the line-up. Her return follows her 2024 milestone as the first Indian presenter at the ceremony.
Actor Rashmika Mandanna is set to return as a presenter at the 10th Global Anime Awards, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 23, 2026. The ceremony, which honours excellence in anime across categories, will also feature international presenters including singer The Weeknd.
Mandanna had earlier made history at the 2024 Anime Awards in Tokyo, when she became the first Indian to present an award at the event. Her return to the stage in 2026 marks another notable moment for Indian representation at a global platform centred on storytelling, creativity and the growing influence of anime culture.
Her appearance alongside The Weeknd is expected to bring together two large global fan bases at the ceremony. Their presence as presenters will place cinema and music on the same international stage, adding to the event’s global appeal.
See the announcement post here:
Beyond films, Mandanna has often spoken about her fondness for anime and its imaginative storytelling. From admiring well-known characters to appreciating the emotion and depth in anime narratives, her interest in the genre closely connects with the spirit of the awards.
On the work front, Rashmika Mandanna has a packed slate ahead, with films like Myssa, Cocktail 2 and Ranabaali in the pipeline. She will also be seen alongside her husband, Vijay Deverakonda.
Among these, Myssa stands out for its setting in the traditional world of the Gond tribes, with Rashmika playing a warrior woman – marking a notable departure from her usual rom-com and commercial roles. Meanwhile, Cocktail 2, which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, is slated to hit theatres on July 19, 2026.