The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards celebrated the best in anime over the past year, crowning “Solo Leveling” as Anime of the Year. The event was hosted by well-known voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, who brought back the excitement for their third consecutive year.
Among the standout moments of the evening, “Attack on Titan” was recognized with the inaugural Global Impact Award, honoring creators and works that have significantly influenced culture and resonated with global audiences. The award was accepted by Yuichiro Hayashi from MAPPA, commemorating the legacy of the iconic series as it prepares for the release of its final film, “Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK,” set to premiere in late 2024.
The pre-show featured a vibrant lineup of hosts and performances, including popular global artists and drag stars, making it a lively kickoff for the awards ceremony that followed. Notable musical acts included performances by hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts, rock band FLOW, and notable artist LiSA, who thrilled the audience with beloved tracks from various anime series.
Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini highlighted the deep emotional bonds fans share with anime, underscoring the integral role these works play in shaping the identities of enthusiasts. This year’s awards saw a record-breaking participation, with 51 million votes cast by fans around the globe, showcasing the massive engagement and passion for anime across countries such as Brazil, Canada, and many others.
The achievements celebrated at the Anime Awards not only spotlight individual creators and works but also reflect the growing prominence of anime in global pop culture. Streaming options for the awards show will soon be available on Crunchyroll’s channels, allowing fans to relive the celebration of their favorite anime.
The event underscores the vibrant community surrounding anime and provides a hopeful outlook for its continued growth and recognition on the world stage.