Anime’s biggest night returned with a bang. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025, held live in Tokyo, spotlighted the creators and series shaping the global anime landscape—making it a must-watch event for fans and industry pros alike.

Solo Leveling Sweeps: A Webtoon Adaptation Breaks Records

Without question, Solo Leveling emerged as the evening’s standout, clinching a series of major awards. Based on the beloved Korean webtoon, the show took home Anime of the Year, Best New Series, and Best Action Anime, reinforcing its position as a cultural juggernaut. Aleks Le also earned accolades for Best English Voice Performance, while the show’s soundtrack won Best Score, and its visually stunning outro landed it Best Ending Sequence.

These victories confirm Solo Leveling’s massive global appeal and mark a shift in the industry as cross-cultural adaptations gain momentum in mainstream anime.

Fan Favorites and Artistic Triumphs Shine Bright

Meanwhile, the beautifully crafted Look Back was named Film of the Year, a testament to anime’s evolving cinematic excellence. Ninja Kamui stood out with its unique story and style, earning Best Original Anime.

Notably, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc continued its awards streak with two major wins: Best Continuing Series and Best Animation. These honors highlight the series’ consistent quality and unmatched visual craftsmanship.

Now celebrating its 9th year, the Anime Awards has grown from a niche celebration into a global phenomenon. The 2025 edition brought together fans worldwide via livestream, underlining anime’s international influence and vibrant community.

Global Stars, Cultural Impact & What’s Next

Hosted by beloved voice actress Sally Amaki and Japanese presenter Jon Kabira, this year’s show delivered a glamorous mix of live music, heartfelt tributes, and jaw-dropping moments. The red carpet sparkled with both Western and Japanese celebrities, including Kacey Musgraves, Finn Wolfhard, Rina Sawayama, and Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim. Japanese stars like Dean Fujioka and Kanata Hongo added further prestige.

Looking ahead, the success of this year’s awards signals a strong future for anime worldwide. With streaming platforms driving global access and fan engagement stronger than ever, the genre continues to thrive across cultures, languages, and generations.

For the full list of winners and highlights, visit the official Crunchyroll Anime Awards page.