The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are heading back to Tokyo for their 10th edition on May 23, 2026. The milestone celebration will feature a global pre-show, star-studded orange carpet, live performances, and 32 award categories honoring the best in anime.
Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | May 23, 2026 |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Edition | 10th Anniversary |
| Categories | 32 awards |
| Hosts | Sally Amaki & Jon Kabira (4th year) |
| Pre-Show Hosts | Lauren Moore & Tim Lyu |
| Nominee Reveal | April 2, 2026 |
| Voting Period | Opens April 2 |
| Broadcast | Global livestream |
Special Performances Announced
Crunchyroll revealed a preliminary music lineup featuring Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi performing a 30th anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion. She’ll perform the iconic theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” to commemorate the 1995 anime’s landmark anniversary.
The ceremony will also feature symphonic suites conducted by Hirofumi Kurita, performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and arranged by Kazunori Miyake. Additional performances will be announced soon.
A Decade of Fan Engagement
“For the past decade, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards has been shaped by the fans who show up every year to celebrate the stories and creators they love,” explains Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “What began with a few million votes in 2017 has grown into tens of millions of voices from around the world, reflecting how deeply anime has become part of people’s lives.”
The return to Japan carries symbolic weight—celebrating where these stories begin and honoring the global community that brings them to life beyond the screen.
How Voting Works
Nominees will be revealed on April 2, 2026, alongside the start of global fan voting. Fans can vote for their favorite series, films, creators, and performances across 32 categories covering anime’s contributions to entertainment.
An independent panel of 2026 Anime Awards judges—representing global creatives, tastemakers, experts, and influencers—will select nominees from eligible titles that premiered between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Returning Hosts
Popular voice actress and performer Sally Amaki and renowned entertainer Jon Kabira return as co-hosts for the fourth consecutive year. Their chemistry and understanding of anime culture have made them fan favorites since taking over hosting duties.
The global pre-show will once again feature Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu, providing coverage of the orange carpet arrivals and building excitement before the main ceremony.
Why This Award Matters
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is the leading yearly program honoring creators, musicians, and performers powering the global love of anime. It’s evolved from a modest fan voting initiative into a major cultural event with tens of millions of participants worldwide.
Sony Music Solutions Inc. (part of Sony Music Entertainment Japan Inc.) and Dempsey Productions will support Crunchyroll in executing the event, ensuring professional production values for the global livestream.
What’s Next
With nominees announced April 2 and voting opening the same day, fans have roughly seven weeks to campaign for their favorites before the May 23 ceremony. The 32 categories ensure comprehensive coverage of anime’s creative contributions—from voice acting and animation to direction, music, and writing.
For anime fans worldwide, May 23 represents the industry’s biggest night—a chance to see which 2025 titles and talents receive recognition from both critics and the global community.
For more anime industry news and awards coverage, visit TechnoSports.
