Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 emerged as the standout winner at Crunchyroll's Anime Awards in Tokyo, securing the prestigious anime of the year accolade and dominating in 10 additional categories. The event celebrated the best in Japanese animation, with Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 clinching awards for best director, best character design, best action, and best cinematography.
Another highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of Makoto Shinkai's anime blockbuster Suzume as the best film, while Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc shined in categories such as best animation and best fantasy.
The annual Anime Awards, now in its eighth year, relies on a global popular vote to determine the winners across various categories. The event was broadcast live on Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform owned by Sony Group, with a later replay on the brand's YouTube and Twitch channels. The show was hosted by Japanese entertainer Jon Kabira and voice actress Sally Amaki.
Noteworthy personalities from the entertainment industry graced the stage as presenters and performers, including Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion, filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, and Oscar-winning duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The event also featured musical performances, including the debut of the new Anime Awards Theme Song and a special rendition of the opening song of Samurai Champloo in honor of its 20th anniversary.
The 2024 Anime Awards garnered a record-breaking 34 million votes from fans worldwide, showcasing the immense popularity and global reach of anime. Crunchyroll's president, Rahul Purini, emphasized the significance of anime in connecting fans globally and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the art form.
The complete list of winners included Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 for Anime of the Year, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc for Best Animation, and Chainsaw Man for Best New Series, among others. The event also recognized outstanding voice actor performances across various languages and celebrated iconic anime series that have left a lasting impact on fans.
The Anime Awards serve as a platform to honor the creativity and talent within the anime industry, highlighting the diverse range of genres and storytelling that captivate audiences worldwide.