Crunchyroll Reveals Nominees for 2025 Anime Awards with Celebrity Hosts

Crunchyroll announced the nominees for its ninth annual Anime Awards on November 24, 2025, celebrating standout Japanese animation from the past year across categories like Best Opening Sequence and Character of the Year. The ceremony, set for May 25, 2026, at Tokyo’s Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, will feature hosts and celebrity presenters blending anime fandom with mainstream appeal. Nominees include ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ for Best Fantasy Series and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ for Best Action, reflecting diverse genres from romance to mecha. Veteran voice actors and international stars will present awards, highlighting anime’s growing crossover into global pop culture.

The event honors achievements from October 2024 to September 2025, with ‘Chainsaw Man’ earning nods for Best Voice Actor in Denji’s portrayal by Ryan Colt Levy. New categories like Best Original Anime spotlight creator-driven projects such as ‘The Apothecary Diaries’. Fan-voted elements ensure community involvement, with voting opening December 2025 and closing February 2026. Crunchyroll’s expansion into live events underscores its role as a streaming leader, following record viewership spikes for titles like ‘Demon Slayer’. Presenters include Western celebrities who have voiced anime characters, adding star power to discussions on dubbing authenticity.

Organizers emphasized inclusivity by including global fan input alongside industry juries from Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Standouts like ‘Spy x Family’ vie for Best Comedy, while ‘Oshi no Ko’ contends in Best Drama for its idol industry critique. The awards coincide with Crunchyroll’s 2026 slate announcements, teasing sequels and originals to maintain momentum. Production details reveal a hybrid broadcast on the platform and select theaters, reaching over 100 countries. This edition marks a milestone as anime’s box office successes, including ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’, boost mainstream recognition.

Tributes to late contributors, such as voice actor Takaya Hashi, add solemnity, with dedications planned during the show. Nominee lists showcase emerging talent, like director Megumi Ishitani for ‘My Hero Academia’ episodes. The event’s timing aligns with Tokyo’s convention season, drawing thousands for panels and screenings. Crunchyroll reported a 30 percent increase in international submissions, signaling anime’s broadening creative base. As nominees prepare, fan campaigns on social media amplify hype, predicting upsets in tightly contested fields.

This awards cycle arrives amid anime’s Hollywood surge, with adaptations like Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ influencing voter perspectives. The ceremony’s format includes live performances of theme songs, featuring artists from nominated series. Security measures ensure smooth operations for in-person attendees, with virtual options for global fans. Crunchyroll’s initiative supports voice actor training programs, addressing industry concerns over celebrity dubs. Overall, the 2025 Anime Awards position anime as a cultural force, bridging Eastern innovation with worldwide acclaim.