Note: If you’re reading this before the show, stay tuned! We will be adding each category winner as announced during the live show in a few hours.
The votes have been counted, the judges have heard, and the orange carpet has been rolled out. In an incredible event hosted by Sally Amaki and Big John in the heart of Tokyo, Japan, the two winners of 2023 Anime Awards Officially revealed!
It’s been a stacked eligibility year for the Anime Awards, with the Anime of the Year category representing some of our favorite series, including The attack on the Giants The final season, part 2And Cyberpunk: EdgerunnersAnd Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Arch entertainment areaAnd Lycoris recoilAnd Order of Kings Core 2And spy x family.
the The 2023 Anime Awards start on March 4 at 1:30 AM PT / 3:30 AM ET / 4:30 AM ET On Crunchyroll’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]
Anime of the year
This is the show that has set the standard for anime over the past year, surpassing all others. Its engaging story, beautiful art execution, and memorable characters combine in a unique way to create a masterpiece worthy of individual appreciation. Whether the show was an unexpected hit, or met fans’ high expectations, Anime of the Year represents sheer excellence.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best original anime
The original anime was not adapted from the source material; It is a completely unique creation. While that in itself is an accomplishment, these shows also deliver a touching and entertaining story that elevates the title to another level.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best cartoon character design
This category celebrates artists who have created distinct anime characters or breathed life into one from other sources such as manga or light novels. With their understanding of design principles, fantastic character designers can tell a story from how you draw a person, while legendary designers create characters you recognize by their silhouette.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best animated movie
Here we get to know the amazing animators in terms of the ways they bring their stories to life. Regardless of the animation style, these shows provide a visual feast for viewers to enjoy, immersing audiences in previously unimaginable worlds.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best new anime series
While countless new anime are created each year, this category honors the series and spin-offs that stand out. These instant classics have just something unique that keeps viewers hooked and eagerly awaiting Season 2.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best ongoing anime series
Maintaining excellence is no small feat, especially when it comes to anime. Considering all the creativity, effort, and planning that goes into a single season, the ability to hold fans’ attention year after year is well worth celebrating.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best anime opening sequence
With stunning visuals and irresistible music, a great opening sequence sets the table for what’s to come. Whether it creates an eerie mood for a romantic comedy, or strikes a dark, earnest tone for suspense, the memorable opening has as much creativity and emotion as the show it delivers.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
- “Chikichiki Banban” by QUEENDOM, Storyboard and Direction from 10GAUGE, Hey Boy Kong Ming!
- “Mixed Nuts” by HIGE DANDism Official Director, Storyboard and Direction by Masashi Ishihama, spy x family
- “Naked Hero” by Vaundy, Storyboard and Unit Direction by Shingo Yamashita, Order of Kings (Corinth 2)
- “The Rumbling” by SiM, Storyboard and Direction by Takashi Kojima, Attack on Titan Final Season Part Two
- “This Fffire” by Franz Ferdinand, Animation direction by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Storyboard by Kai Ikarashi, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Emmer’s “Zankyosanka”, Storyboard from Haruo Sotozaki, Animation directed by Akira Matsushima, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
Best animated closing sequence
Similar to the opening, memorable successive pairings are designed and music to delight and surprise. Often a place where an art style can be taken in entirely new directions, this fantastic closing sequence lets viewers catch their breath and enjoy little moments with a character.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
- “Akuma no Ko” by AI HIGUCHI, Storyboard and Direction by Paraco Shinohara, Attack on Titan Final Season Part Two
- “Comedy” by General Hoshino, Storyboard and Direction by Atsushi Nishigori, spy x family
- “Koi no yukue” by Akari Akase, Storyboard and Direction by Futata, Dress up my love
- “Koshaberibiyori” by FantasticYouth, Storyboard and Direction by Kouki Fujimoto, Kumi Can’t Communicate (Second Series)
- “Surrender My Heart” by Airi Suzuki, Storyboard and Direction by Nichika Ono, Animation Direction by Norifumi Kugai, Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic-
- “Yofukashino Uta” by Creepy Nuts, Storyboard and Direction from Tomoyuki Itamura, Animation Direction from Haruka Sagawa, close callR
Anime’s best points
A vital part of a memorable anime is the original music composed for it. A well-crafted score adds another dimension of depth and emotion to any scene with compositions that are not only closely related to anime but can also be masterpieces of music.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best anime movie
Here we celebrate non-episode anime with longer running times than a regular episode, whether released in theaters, on home video, or online. The Best of the Best lives up to the hype, leaving fans wondering where the time has gone.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best anime song
This category identifies a vocalist, instruments, soloist, duo, ensemble, or collaborative recording played during any part of an anime series. These are the songs that get stuck in your head, make you want to sing along, or give you a rush of emotion.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best anime director
To paraphrase Hayao Miyazaki, “An anime is a reflection of its director.” It is critical that the directors work behind the scenes, communicate their vision and imagination to the animators, make critical decisions, and manage the creative aspects of the production.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best main anime character
Whether a hero, anti-hero, or villain, the main character is the face of their series. But it’s not just their personalities or characteristics that make them likable, it’s their evolving stories and the journeys they take with us that make them worthy.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best Supporting Anime Character
This category celebrates side deals as if they were number one. Supporting characters come in all shapes and sizes, but the best among them are able to shine as their main character counterparts when called upon.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best Anime Character “It Must Be Protected at All Costs”
These are the characters who make the world feel like a kinder, more special place. Whether they’re a serious hero who always comes back or a pure-hearted cinnamon roll that brings a group together, these characters remind us that there are some things in life worth protecting.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best action anime
This category rewards a show that has action at its core. These titles should leave audiences with their hearts pounding, their hands sweaty, and everyone gasping for breath from the amazing sequences that were filmed.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best comedy anime
Whether they surprise you with a unique point of view, or the dialogue seems to have been penned by a comedian, these are the shows that will make you laugh out loud and hurt your side in the end.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best drama anime
This anime conveys something fundamental about the human experience. Their mastery of construction and stress relief puts fans on the edge of their seats, feeling all their emotions, and forcing them to invest deeply in the characters and their stories.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best fantasy anime
Best Fantasy is all about imagination, creativity, and a little magic. Not only do these shows take us to other worlds, but they create deep, imaginative universes filled with mythical creatures as they infuse even the smallest details with previously unthought-of ideas.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best romantic anime
A brilliant romance can melt the heart of the coldest, cynical person. These captivating stories pull us in and remind us of the best part of life. With their hopeful messages, these shows find a way to make you believe in the power of love.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best Vocal Performance (Japanese)
Not only do famous voice artists bring extra life to the design, but they also reimagine what the character would look like in a different language. By mastering the tone and the emotions their voices evoke, these talented artists add depth, turning anime characters into anime icons. This award will be honored for voice actors across Japan.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Best Vocal Performance (English)
This award will be honored for the voice actors across the English language.
Winner: To be announced later
Candidates:
Did your prediction get the prize? Let us know in the comments!