Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 Nominees Announced: The Race for Anime of the Year Heats Up!
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards, one of the most prestigious events in the anime world, has officially announced its list of nominees for 2026. This year's "Anime of the Year" category will witness a fierce competition between both long-running series and new productions that have left their mark on the industry. The announced shortlist includes ambitious titles such as DAN DA DAN, Gachiakuta, My Hero Academia, Takopi's Original Sin, The Apothecary Diaries, and The Summer Hikaru Died.
One of the most notable names on the list is DAN DA DAN, adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu's popular manga and produced by the Science SARU studio. Blending supernatural events with absurd humor, the series has received great acclaim for its visual quality since its first day of release. On the other hand, Gachiakuta, created by Kei Urana and brought to the screen by the Bones studio, stands out as one of the strongest contenders this year with its dystopian world and impressive art design.
On the front of experienced series, Kohei Horikoshi's global phenomenon My Hero Academia managed to make the list with its epic battles and character development. The Summer Hikaru Died, which shook viewers with its emotional depth, and The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), which focuses on mystery-filled palace intrigues, were among the most talked-about productions on social media over the past year, expanding their fan bases significantly. In particular, Takopi's Original Sin achieved great success by being nominated for this prestigious award with its dramatic narrative and social critiques.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards have become a massive organization that keeps the pulse of the industry, determined by the votes of millions of fans worldwide. The 2026 ceremony is expected to be held with a grand event in Tokyo, Japan, as in previous years, with winners announced during a live broadcast. Fans will be able to participate in the voting via the official website to support their favorite series. Let's see who will take home the grand prize in this battle of giants!
