The Weeknd to Headline Crunchyroll's Landmark 10th Anime Awards

J.R., a veteran editor from ScreenRant's Team Anime with a lifelong passion for manga dating back to North America's first Shonen Jump releases, shares his journey into anime and manga journalism. His career highlights include leading ComicBook.com's anime division and witnessing iconic moments like reviewing Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW sequels side-by-side, plus a memorable encounter with legendary animator Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event.

Over the past year, J.R.'s professional milestones have included contributing to anime's record-breaking successes, notably playing a key role in Demon Slayer's

box office dominance. To honor this achievement, the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards will feature The Weeknd as the ceremonial presenter for the coveted "Anime of the Year" honor, marking a unique intersection of music and animation worlds.

The event, scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Tokyo, invites global fans to vote for their favorites before April 15's deadline, celebrating anime's enduring cultural impact.

Crunchyroll's 10th Anime Awards: A Star-Studded Celebration

The Weeknd, whose artistic vision draws deeply from classic anime influences like Samurai Champloo and '90s favorites such as Sailor Moon, emphasizes how these works shaped his creative identity. He credits Watanabe's masterful storytelling and Nujabes' iconic soundtracks for inspiring projects like House of Balloons, proving anime's profound effect on modern artistry.

Joining him as nominees are acclaimed titles ranging from Dandadan to The Apothecary Diaries, reflecting the diverse landscape of contemporary anime. Beyond performers, the ceremony will spotlight industry icons—from musicians like RZA to actors like Winston Duke—highlighting anime's expanding cultural reach despite recent challenges faced by platforms like Crunchyroll.

Global Icons Elevate Anime Awards 2026

Alongside The Weeknd, names like Dean Fujioka (first Anime of the Year winner) and bands such as Asian Kung-Fu Generation will grace the event, underscoring anime's crossover appeal in music and entertainment.

As Crunchyroll marks a decade of influence, its legacy remains defined by unforgettable moments—even amidst evolving industry dynamics—to prove it still delivers exceptional experiences for fans worldwide.