Crunchyroll’s7th Anime Award winnerswere announced on July 08, 2025 via a live stream hosted by Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira, with a star-studded list ofpresenters such as Finn Wolfhard,Hunter Schafer, Robert Rodriguez, Zelina Vega, and more, dishing out the prizes.
The anime nominees were previously chosen by a panel of more than fifty qualified judges, which was then narrowed down from 19-02 June 2025 by the fandom’s voting prowess.Crunchyrollhas slimmed down its selection for its 7th Anime Awards and has removed several categories from its lineup, including Best: Couple, Boy, Girl, Fight Scene, Antagonist, and Protagonist, while adding a few new features to its folds.
Best Anime Series
Best New Series
This category is composed of anime adaptations that arrived on the scene to blow viewers' socks off in 2022, and this is the first year thatCrunchyrollis specifically celebrating new anime content, with the top contenders being:
The fan-favorite action-comedy,SPY x FAMILYswooped in to steal the prize (which was likelyno surprise for dear Anya). While successful spy anime aren’t unheard of, they don’t often outshine the more popular fantasy-based shounen; however,CloverWorks and Wit Studioclearly made the right call by bringing the Forger’s story to life.
Best Continuing Series
Anime series with enough stamina to return for moreaction(a genre that seems to notably dominate this category) without compromising on quality are eligible for theBest Continuing Seriesaward. The nominees include:
There is arguably little contention when going up against one of the Big Three, as they are essentially the cultivators of the global love that anime receives today.One Pieceearns its keepthanks toToei Animation,reviving this seemingly forgotten commemoration (which hasn’t been honored since the 3rd Anime Awards.)
Best Original Anime
To qualify for theBest Original Animeaward, a successful show cannot have a corresponding light novel, manga, or video game to fall back on (ie: it cannot be an adaptation.) Ironically, this is also an original category, as an all-new addition to the Anime Awards. The candidates for 2022 include:
Not many expectedLycoris Recoiltodominate the 2022 Summer line-up,although it’s hard to go wrong with a bunch of awesome action girls at the helm. Having no pre-established fan base to depend on,A-1 Pictures’risk has paid off, which will surely urge them to commit to Season 2’s production.
Best of Anime Music
Best Opening Sequence
There is a reason whyCrunchyrolldoesn’t have a “Skip Intro” button (or an automatic disregard for credits), as great detail goes into the creation of each anime’sOpening Sequence.The OP is essentially a tale in its own right, accompanied by a euphonious soundtrack for that long-lasting impression, eloquently displayed by the following candidates:
Attack on Titanconquers the music segment withthe top-viewed Opening Sequenceof its time, earning"The Rumbling" by SiMmore than 57 million views onYouTube(in 2022), leavingBeastarsin the dust. SiM will thankfully return to work their magic for the finale with “Under the Tree” forThe Final Season: Part 3.
“The Rumbling"also stole the show as theBest Anime Songof 2022, winning against worthy competitors such as:
Furthermore, it seems that fans are more than happy withHiroyuki Sawano’swork, asAttack on TitanFinal Season Part 2proved to possess theBest Scoreoverall, defeating the likes of:
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Best Ending Sequence
Anime outros should not be missed as a rule, as they often give insights into the fan-favorite characters, with some spectacular beats thrown in for good measure. The 2022contestants forBest Ending Sequencesare:
When it comes to leaving fans on a good note,Gen Hoshinogets the job done with"Comedy,“a melodic tune that is guaranteed to get the head bopping. ALI previously claimed this title in the 6th Anime Award withJujutsu Kaisen(who didn’t even make the list this time around.)
Best Anime: Genre Specific
It would be rather overwhelming to try and credit thebest anime in every possible genre,so only the top guns were chosen for the main event. It’s safe to say that little explanation is needed regarding this segment, with each category listed below displaying the winning anime inbold.
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Best Film
Although series are given all the attention in the Anime Awards, 2022’s memorable movies have not been left out, with a healthy mix of genres in its ranks.The Big Three bring double the troublefor this category, and yet a (slightly) more underrated anime surpasses the great Goku and Luffy to claim the prize. The contenders consist of:
Demon Slayerand itsMugen Trainhave had to make way for the next batch of superstars, who help (and hinder) Yuta Okkotsu’s attempt at controlling a Cursed Spirit in the prequel film,JUJUTSU KAISEN 0.The masterful studioMAPPAhas done it again.
Behind the Scenes
The faceless anime heroes aren’t instantly recognizablelike Nezuko or Tanjiro,yet their names likely earn them instant access into any otaku’s party, as the masterminds that bring these beloved stories to life.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arcdominated in bothBest Director and Best Animationcategories, withHaruo Sotozaki and Ufotableto thank, respectably. Ironically,Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!had the same double-win result in the 6th Awards.Demon Slayerwas against powerhouses such as:
Best Animation
Best Voice Actors
Anime Voice Artists have not always received the recognition they deserve; however, fans know the difference it makes when an enthusiastic actor is on board for this arguably underappreciated behind-the-scenes work.Crunchyrollensures to celebrate theBest VA Performances,covering numerous languages, including:
Best VA Performance: Japanese
It would make sense for theBest Main Character to also have theBest Japanese Voice Actor, asAttack on Titan’sErenwould arguably be nothing withoutYuki Kaji’sepic contribution. He steals the title from 2021’s winner Yûsuke Kobayashi, who voices Natsuki Subaru inRe: Zero.
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Best VA Performance: English
Zach Aguilarhas an extensive list of successful anime on his resume, and proudly addsCyberpunk: Edgerunnersto his award-winning accolades. It takes one mighty voice to dethroneMy Hero Academia’s#2 Pro-Hero, however, if anyone is brave enough to attempt it, it’s David.
Best Anime Characters
Best Character Design
Unique character designs make each individual truly memorable, allowing them to stand out from the masses with their flair and style. Clothing does not exclusively define a good design, as any distinctive elements that contribute to the anime’s overall image deserve recognition, too. Such nominees include:
WhileCyberpunkandJoJo’s Bizarre Adventuresuccessfully tend to the flamboyant video game aesthetic, it seems that anime fans still prefer the moretraditional route thatDemon Slayerfollows.Akira Matsushimais responsible for this anime’s breathtaking artwork, which highlights iconic Japanese elegance with a strong Neo Traditional flair, stealing the show from last year’s winner,Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.
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Best Main Character
The central figures that carry the weight of the world for their fandom certainly deserve some praise, particularly if they are well-rounded, likable, thought-provoking protagonists, such as the following contenders:
As the current titan of the anime industry,Eren Jaeger(also spelled Yaeger), has been pulling at the audience’s heartstrings since 2013, and still has enough charm in his pocket to keep fans coming back for more.Attack on Titanhas gathered enough steamto become one of the most popular anime worldwide, with Eren gallantly leading the way to greatness.
“Must Protect At All Costs” Character
There are certain characters that people just can’t help but love, and somehow, they always end up in a spot of trouble, needing someone reliable to bail them out. Their helplessness comes off as endearing rather than needy and annoying, which is enchantingly displayed by:
Even thoughRanking of Kingsearned itself two spotson this roster (a slightly unfair advantage), not many stand a chance againstAnya Forger’soverpowering cuteness factor. Although Anya is essentially the ultimatedamsel-in-distress,she somehow ends up being the hero of the day more often than not (even if she causes most problems in the first place).
Best Supporting Character
It is not uncommon for aSupporting Characterto steal the spotlight, which is likely whyCrunchyrolldecided to finally honor these “minor” protagonists with their own category. The following colorful characters left a worthwhile impression on anime fans in 2022:
Anya Forgerbrings home the glory forSPY x FAMILYonce again, adding theBest Supporting Characterto her collection, and proving that one needn’t rely on sex appeal to gain recognition.This pink-haired princesspaves the way for future support heroes, as the first of her name in this award category.
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Anime of the Year
As the name suggests, theAnime of the Yearmust be a well-rounded display of quality performance, employing a rich, full-bodied storyline with captivating character designs and awe-inspiring animation. Those possessing such admirable characteristics include:
Cyberpunkwas nominated in an outstanding twelve ofCrunchyroll’scategories, however,Studio Triggeronly went home with two trophies; although arguably, the award that counts the most.Presented by renownedYouTubers, Valkyraeand Sykkuno,Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersofficially joined the ranks of the all-timeBest Anime of 2022, taking the title from the former reigning champ,Jujutsu Kaisen.
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Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
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