The Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the global fan celebration honouring the creators behind anime’s success, will return to Tokyo, Japan, on 25 May 2025. Crunchyroll announced the ninth annual awards during Comic Con Experience (CCXP) in São Paulo, Brazil. The event promises a glamorous orange carpet, a star-studded roster of celebrity presenters, and a global livestream to unite anime enthusiasts worldwide.
First celebrity presenter revealed
Brazilian drag pop icon and avid anime fan Pabllo Vittar has been unveiled as the first celebrity presenter for the 2025 Anime Awards. Vittar will join a line-up of presenters from television, film, sports, fashion, and music, with additional names and musical performers to be revealed closer to the event. Returning to co-host the awards are beloved voice actress and idol Sally Amaki and renowned entertainer Jon Kabira, while Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida will again deliver opening remarks.
“The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is one of the biggest moments for anime all year – thanks to the creators honoured and fans who will decide the winners,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “We’re thrilled to host the awards again in the birthplace of anime and produce a celebration of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment space.”
New eligibility period and expanded categories
This year’s awards introduce several updates, including a revised eligibility period and expanded categories. Moving the event from March to May allows for a transition to a calendar-year eligibility format. For 2025, the eligibility period will encompass anime released between 1 October 2023 and 30 December 2024, covering five seasons of anime. From 2026, the eligibility will align with the calendar year from January to December.
“Every year we see an outpouring of love and admiration from fans around the world, voting for and cheering on their favourite shows and creators,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll’s Chief Operating Officer. “This year will be no different as anime continues to captivate larger and more diverse audiences than ever before.”
Crunchyroll has also unveiled 32 categories that highlight anime’s influence on popular culture and its global reach. These include fresh additions such as Best Isekai and Best Hindi Voice Artist, alongside fan favourites like Best Opening Sequence and Best Main Character. A full list of categories is available on the Anime Awards Official Website.
Key dates and event details
The nominees for each category will be revealed on 3 April 2025, when global fan voting officially begins. These nominees will be selected by a panel of independent judges comprising global creatives, tastemakers, experts, and influencers. The winners will be announced during the grand event at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo.
Sony Music Solutions Inc., part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Dempsey Productions will collaborate with Crunchyroll to deliver the event. The ceremony will be streamed live, enabling fans across the world to join in the celebration.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards remains a leading platform for recognising the creators, musicians, and performances that fuel the global passion for anime. With its growing reach and new updates, the 2025 event is set to become the biggest celebration yet.