The Anime Awards are back, and fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement! On May 25, 2025, the ninth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards will light up Tokyo, Japan, at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa. This global celebration of anime excellence promises a star-studded evening, complete with celebrity presenters, musical performances, and the crowning of the year’s best anime. With voting recently closed and anticipation building, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Anime Awards, from nominees to special honors and how to catch the action live.
What’s New at the Anime Awards 2025?
This year’s Anime Awards introduce fresh elements that make the event even more exciting. The eligibility period has expanded to cover anime aired between October 2023 and December 2024, ensuring a wide range of series and films compete. New categories like Best Isekai Anime, Best Background Art, and Best VA Performance (Hindi) join fan favorites such as Best Opening Sequence and Anime of the Year. A standout addition is the Global Impact Award, with Attack on Titan named its first recipient for its cultural influence. The ceremony will also feature 32 categories, showcasing the diversity of anime talent, from voice actors to animators.
The nominee list is stacked with heavy hitters. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End leads with 25 nominations, followed closely by Dandadan with 22. Other contenders for Anime of the Year include Delicious in Dungeon, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, and The Apothecary Diaries. Fans had their say during the voting window from April 3 to April 14, and now the stage is set for the big reveal.
A Star-Studded Anime Awards Night
The Anime Awards always bring out a vibrant mix of hosts and presenters, and 2025 is no exception. Voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira return as co-hosts, bringing their charm and familiarity to the stage. Presenters include a global lineup: Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim, Brazilian drag icon Pabllo Vittar, and Japanese comedy duo Chocolate Planet, among others. Musical performances by Creepy Nuts, LiSA, and FLOW promise to electrify the evening, with Creepy Nuts’ Dandadan opening theme already a fan favorite.
The ceremony kicks off with opening remarks from Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, adding a touch of prestige. A pre-show at 5 p.m. JST (4 a.m. EDT) sets the stage, followed by the main event at 6 p.m. JST (5 a.m. EDT). Fans can tune in via Crunchyroll’s YouTube and Twitch channels, making it accessible worldwide, even for those who aren’t subscribers.
Key Nominees and Categories at a Glance
| Category | Notable Nominees |
|---|---|
| Anime of the Year | Frieren, Dandadan, Solo Leveling |
| Best New Series | Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8 |
| Best Opening Sequence | “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” – Creepy Nuts (Mashle) |
| Best VA Performance | Atsumi Tanezaki (Frieren), Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan) |
| Global Impact Award | Attack on Titan |
Why the Anime Awards Matter
The Anime Awards aren’t just about trophies; they’re a celebration of anime’s global reach. Fans play a crucial role, with their votes combining with a panel of industry judges to determine winners. This year’s expanded eligibility ensures no standout series gets overlooked, reflecting anime’s growing influence across cultures. From Solo Leveling breaking records as Crunchyroll’s most-reviewed anime to Frieren redefining fantasy storytelling, the nominees showcase the medium’s diversity and creativity.
The event also highlights anime’s ability to bring people together. With presenters from music, sports, and entertainment, the Anime Awards bridge pop culture worlds. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, the ceremony offers something for everyone, from emotional moments to high-energy performances.
How to Watch and Join the Fun
Missing the live stream? No worries! The Anime Awards will be available on-demand on Crunchyroll’s YouTube and Twitch platforms, so you can catch every moment at your convenience. The time difference might be tricky for some—5 a.m. EDT is early for U.S. viewers—but the global livestream ensures everyone can join the party. Check out the full nominee list on Crunchyroll’s website to see if your favorites made the cut, and follow along on social media for real-time reactions as winners are announced.
This year’s ceremony promises to be a love letter to anime fans, creators, and the stories that inspire us. Whether you’re rooting for Dandadan’s chaotic energy or Frieren’s heartfelt journey, the Anime Awards 2025 will deliver unforgettable moments.
Get Involved Today!
Don’t miss the Anime Awards 2025! Tune in on May 25 at 5 a.m. EDT on YouTube or Twitch to cheer for your favorite anime. Share your predictions and reactions online using #AnimeAwards, and let’s celebrate the magic of anime together!