Crunchyroll just announced its annual anime awards for 2025, and the results are both expected and a bit surprising.
For fans of popular shonen titles, the winners are no shocker. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle grabbed both “Best Score” and “Film of the Year.” My Hero Academia made its mark too, scoring awards for “Best Ending Sequence” and various voice acting categories. Meanwhile, the newcomer Gachiakuta took the spotlight with wins for “Best New Series,” “Best Background Art,” and “Best Character Design.”
However, some results raised eyebrows. Lazarus, which aired on Adult Swim and HBO Max instead of Crunchyroll, won “Best Original Anime.” Despite its critical acclaim with a 92% rating, its community score read just 60% on Rotten Tomatoes. With contenders like Digimon Beatbreak in the mix, many fans questioned whether it truly deserved the recognition.
Here’s a look at some notable categories and winners:
Anime of the Year
- My Hero Academia (Final Season)
- Gachiakuta
- The Summer Hikaru Died
Film of the Year
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Best New Series
- Gachiakuta
- The Summer Hikaru Died
Best Animation
- Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow-
- Dan Da Dan (Season 2)
Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese)
- Aoi Yuki as Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries
- Daiki Yamashita as Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
The anime award nominations reflect changing tastes in the community. Series with rich storylines or unique styles, like Gachiakuta, are gaining traction, indicating a shift from long-standing favorites. Polls and surveys show that audiences are increasingly drawn to originality and character development in anime.
In recent social media discussions, fans have voiced mixed feelings about some winners, particularly Lazarus. While critics praised its animation and storytelling, some viewers argue it doesn’t belong in this category due to its platform. This conversation illustrates the fine line between mainstream acceptance and niche appreciation in the ever-evolving anime landscape.
As we look ahead, these awards highlight both the enduring popularity of established series and the rise of innovative narratives. The anime community is thriving, and it’s exciting to see how these shifts shape future awards seasons.
For a full list of winners and nominees, you can check out Crunchyroll’s official page here.
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crunchyroll,Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,Gachiakuta,My Hero Academia,One Piece
