MUMBAI: Crunchyroll, an online anime platform announced at CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil, that the ninth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards will return to Tokyo, Japan, on 25 May, 2025. An orange carpet and global live stream will precede the ceremony. It will take place at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Sony Music Solutions, part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), and Dempsey Productions will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the event.
Crunchyroll also announced its first-ever Brazilian celebrity presenter and anime fan for the ceremony—drag pop singer and musician Pabllo Vittar. Additional celebrity presenters from the world of television, film, sports, fashion, and music as well as musical performers will be announced closer to the ceremony.
Voice actress Sally Amaki and ntertainer Jon Kabira will return as co-hosts. Sony Group Corporation chairman, 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 honored and fans who will decide the winners. 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” said Rahul Purini president Crunchyroll.
The largest global celebration of excellence in Japanese animation continues to evolve and expand with a new eligibility period, voting window and categories. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards’ move from March to May begins a transition towards an updated eligibility period that celebrates a clearly defined calendar year of anime.
Exclusively for the 2025 Anime Awards, the updated eligibility period will expand from 1 October, 2023, to 31 December, 2024, encompassing five seasons (or quarters) of anime. This expanded window marks a transition year that ensures no anime goes uncelebrated and fans have the opportunity to vote for their favourite series, film, creators, and more. In the future, nominee eligibility will extend from 1 January to 31 December.
“Every year we see an outpouring of love and admiration from fans around the world, voting for and cheering on their favorite shows and creators. This year will be no different as anime continues to captivate larger and more diverse audiences than ever before” said Crunchyroll COO Gita Rebbapragada.
Crunchyroll has revealed 32 categories that aim to capture anime’s contributions to popular culture and reflect its continued global growth. From fresh new categories like Best Isekai and Best Hindi Voice Artist to fan favorites like Best Opening Sequence and Best Main Character, the accolades continue to parallel the expansion of anime. The full list can be found on the Anime Awards Official Website.
To be revealed on 3 April, 2025 as fan voting begins, the nominees in each category will be selected by the passionate and independent 2025 Anime Awards judges, who represent global creatives, tastemakers, experts, and influencers.
