Announced this morning, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 event is officially returning to Tokyo, Japan, for its 10th anniversary celebration on May 23, featuring a global pre-show, star-studded orange carpet, and iconic anime performances, all supporting the prestigious nominees across 32 award categories. Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 revealed its preliminary music lineup, including Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi, who will take the stage to perform a 30th anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion and its renowned theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” Yoko Takahashi Neon Genesis Evangelion Key Visual. ©khara／Project Eva. In addition, the live show will feature symphonic suites performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (with Conductor Hirofumi Kurita and Composer/Arranger Kazunori Miyake) that will accent the ceremony. Look forward to more performances to be announced soon! Hirofumi Kurita Kazunori Miyake The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra The 2026 Anime Awards will once again be co-hosted by voice actor and performer Sally Amaki ( Tomo-chan Is a Girl!) and entertainer Jon Kabira, with the global pre-show hosted by Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu. Jon Kabira Sally Amaki Lauren Moore Tim Lyu Crunchyroll also announced that nominees for the 2026 ceremony will be revealed on April 2 as global fan voting goes live. So get ready, because it’s almost time to fight for your favorite series, movies, creators, and performances across 32 categories. Nominees in each category will be selected from eligible anime titles that premiered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, via the independent 2026 Anime Awards judges panel. For more on categories, the latest on the event, and so much more, head over to Crunchyroll News’s Ultimate Guide to Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026.
