Solo Leveling Triumphs at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards: A Night to Remember
On May 25, 2025, the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards took place at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan, celebrating the best in anime over the past year. One of the standout winners of the evening was Solo Leveling, which took home the coveted title of "Anime of the Year." This series not only dominated the night by winning the top prize but also secured an impressive total of nine awards, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal and quality.
Among the accolades received by Solo Leveling were awards for Best New Series, Best Action, and Best Main Character. The show’s success extended to voice performances, receiving recognition in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese categories. Additionally, it won for Best Ending Sequence and Best Score, further affirming its excellence across various aspects of anime production.
The event featured a robust lineup of winners across multiple categories, highlighting the diversity and creativity present in today’s anime landscape. For instance, Look Back was celebrated as the Film of the Year, showcasing the strength of storytelling in anime films. In the Best Animation category, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc continued its reign, securing this award for the fourth consecutive year—a testament to its stunning visuals and animation quality.
The award for Best Anime Song went to “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts from Dandadan, which also garnered the Best Opening Sequence award. This recognition underscores the significant role that music plays in enhancing the anime experience. Meanwhile, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End excelled in several categories, winning Best Background Art, Best Drama, and Best Supporting Character for Fern, rounding out a successful night with five awards out of its twenty nominations.
The night was not without its surprises and controversies. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War (Cour 3), which had high hopes with nominations in three categories—Best Continuing Series, Best Action, and Best Score—came away empty-handed, leaving fans disappointed. The overwhelming success of Solo Leveling sparked discussions among viewers, with many expressing their belief that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End deserved the title of Anime of the Year instead.
Fans speculated that the voting patterns were influenced by the popularity of Solo Leveling: Arise (Season 2), which many believed overshadowed the original season that was primarily considered for the awards. Despite the intense competition, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End still managed to secure significant recognition, proving its worth in the competitive anime arena.
Another notable moment of the evening was Ninja Kamui winning the Best Original Anime award. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it marked the debut production from Sunghoo Park after his departure from the Jujutsu Kaisen team to establish his own studio, E&H Production. The win was celebrated by many, as it signified fresh talent and innovative storytelling in the anime industry.
In a remarkable acknowledgment of its impact on global culture, Attack on Titan received the inaugural Global Impact Award. This recognition highlighted the profound influence that the series has had on audiences worldwide, reinforcing the idea that anime can transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with a global audience.
In summary, the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards showcased a rich tapestry of talent and creativity in the anime community. Solo Leveling emerged as a clear frontrunner, captivating audiences and critics alike with its engaging storyline, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Its multiple wins reflect not just the popularity of the series but also its quality and artistic merit.
The night’s events served as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of anime, filled with both established favorites and new contenders. As fans continue to support their beloved series, the anime industry is poised for even greater achievements in storytelling and animation. With each passing year, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards shine a light on the vast and diverse world of anime, celebrating the creativity that continually pushes the boundaries of this beloved medium.
As we look ahead, it is evident that the future of anime holds much promise, with creators and studios exploring new narratives and artistic styles. The recognition of various genres—from action-packed adventures to heartfelt dramas—illustrates the wide array of stories that anime can tell. As the community gears up for the next awards season, anticipation builds for what new masterpieces will emerge and which beloved series will continue to capture the hearts of fans around the globe.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards have become a significant event in the anime calendar, reflecting not only the preferences of fans but also the evolving standards of excellence within the industry. With a growing number of talented creators and a diverse array of stories being told, the future of anime is bright, and the awards are a celebration of that ongoing journey. As anime continues to gain traction around the world, events like these serve as a platform for recognition, encouragement, and inspiration for both creators and fans alike.
In conclusion, the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be remembered as a pivotal moment for Solo Leveling and the anime community as a whole, setting the stage for future successes and innovations in the world of anime storytelling.
