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The Weeknd confirmed to present at Crunchyroll’s 10th Anime Awards in May

For anime with richness, texture and usually great takeaway messages in their storylines, you can’t go past Crunchyroll. Bite into this channel for the best in animated film and series. So credible is the platform, actually, that it has its own awards ceremony, which are coming into their tenth year.

The tenth Crunchyroll Anime Awards are set to be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Tokyo, with special presenter The Weeknd fronting proceedings. The GRAMMY-winning artist is widely recognised for incorporating anime aesthetics into his music and visuals, so we think he fits the bill nicely, and he’ll be presenting the most coveted honour: Anime of the Year.

Fans across the globe are invited to play an active role in the celebration by voting daily for their favorite series and creators. This year’s awards feature 32 categories, culminating in the prestigious Anime of the Year award that The Weeknd will present.

Voting is currently open through the Anime Awards Official Website, Crunchyroll, and MyAnimeList, and will close on April 16 at 4:59 PM AEST.

The Weeknd joins an expanding roster of celebrity presenters who share a passion for anime, highlighting its growing cultural impact worldwide. His involvement underscores the medium’s influence beyond Japan, shaping global entertainment and artistry. He has previously expressed admiration for anime, particularly the works of director Shinichiro Watanabe, whose storytelling has helped inspire his own creative vision.

Catch more cool anime any time on Crunchyroll, and don’t forget to vote for the best.

Lisa Andrews

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