The Weeknd to Present Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo

Crunchyroll has announced that global superstar and devoted anime enthusiast The Weeknd will take the stage at the 10th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 23, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. The GRAMMY-winning artist will present the night’s top honour, Anime of the Year, marking a major crossover moment between worldwide pop culture and the ever-expanding influence of anime.

A long-time fan of the medium, The Weeknd has often weaved anime aesthetics into his creative work. He has cited iconic director Shinichiro Watanabe as a key artistic influence, dating back to his breakout 2011 project House of Balloons. His appearance at the Anime Awards highlights anime’s growing impact on global music, fashion, and visual culture.

Voting Now Open Across 32 Categories

Fans worldwide can vote daily for their favourite titles across 32 award categories, including the highly coveted Anime of the Year award that The Weeknd will present. Voting is open now through April 15 at 11:59 PM PT via the Anime Awards Official Website, Crunchyroll, and MyAnimeList.

Celebrating a Decade of Anime Excellence

Entering its tenth year, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards remains the leading global awards programme recognising the studios, creators, musicians, and performers shaping the world of anime. The 2026 edition will be produced in partnership with Sony Music Solutions Inc. and Dempsey Productions, and will be livestreamed for fans around the world.

The Weeknd joins an expanding list of celebrity presenters whose passion for anime reflects the medium’s undeniable influence on modern entertainment.