Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Film Nominated for Critics Choice Awards

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's first film has officially been nominated in the 'Best Superhero Film' category at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards (CCA). The nomination is a major milestone for the anime industry, as this awards ceremony typically focuses on Hollywood productions. The film will compete in the same category alongside the live-action production Exit 8.

Breaking box office records in Japan and worldwide last year, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Part One) is the first installment of a trilogy adapting the Infinity Castle Arc from Koyoharu Gotouge's popular manga. Produced by the Ufotable studio, the film received full marks from critics for its breathtaking animation and emotional depth, just like the previous seasons of the series. Haruo Sotozaki once again sits in the director's chair.

The 'Best Superhero Film' category at this year's awards, organized by the Critics Choice Association, has opened its doors to anime and independent productions alongside traditional Marvel and DC films. This nomination shows that Demon Slayer has become a mainstream phenomenon not just in Japan, but in the West as well. Previously, the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train film could not secure an Oscar nomination, but this time, the CCA's choice proves that the perception of anime is changing.

For fans, this nomination also means that the remaining films in the trilogy will receive more international attention. The second film of the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy will be released in 2027. The CCA awards ceremony will be held in January 2027. If the film wins the award, it will be the first instance of an anime film reaching the top at a mainstream award of this magnitude. The global success of the series has once again certified the quality of Ufotable and the storytelling of Gotouge.