2023 Crunchyroll Anime Award Winners Announced

Explore the official top-rated anime of 2022 according to Crunchyroll’s renowned Anime Awards, and discover which shows completely dominated.

Crunchyroll’s 7th Anime Award winners were announced on March 4 2023 via a live stream hosted by Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira, with a star-studded list of presenters such as Finn Wolfhard, Hunter Schafer, Robert Rodriguez, Zelina Vega, and more, dishing out the prizes.

The anime nominees were previously chosen by a panel of more than fifty qualified judges, which was then narrowed down from 19-26 January 2023 by the fandom’s voting prowess. Crunchyroll has slimmed down its selection for its 7th Anime Awards and has removed several categories from its lineup, including Best: Couple, Boy, Girl, Fight Scene, Antagonist, and Protagonist, while adding a few new features to its folds.

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Best Anime Series

Best New Series

This category is composed of anime adaptations that arrived on the scene to blow viewers’ socks off in 2022, and this is the first year that Crunchyroll is specifically celebrating new anime content, with the top contenders being:

• Call of the Night
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Lycoris Recoil
• My Dress-Up Darling
• SPY x FAMILY
• Ya Boy Kongming!

The fan-favorite action-comedy, SPY x FAMILY swooped in to steal the prize (which was likely no surprise for dear Anya). While successful spy anime aren’t unheard of, they don’t often outshine the more popular fantasy-based shounen; however, CloverWorks and Wit Studio clearly made the right call by bringing the Forger’s story to life.

Best Continuing Series

Anime series with enough stamina to return for more action (a genre that seems to notably dominate this category) without compromising on quality are eligible for the Best Continuing Series award. The nominees include:

• Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean
• Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
• One Piece

There is arguably little contention when going up against one of the Big Three, as they are essentially the cultivators of the global love that anime receives today. One Piece earns its keep thanks to Toei Animation, reviving this seemingly forgotten commemoration (which hasn’t been honored since the 3rd Anime Awards.)

Best Original Anime

To qualify for the Best Original Anime award, a successful show cannot have a corresponding light novel, manga, or video game to fall back on (ie: it cannot be an adaptation.) Ironically, this is also an original category, as an all-new addition to the Anime Awards. The candidates for 2022 include:

• BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls’ Story-
• Healer Girl
• Lycoris Recoil
• The Orbital Children
• Vampire in the Garden
• YUREI DECO

Not many expected Lycoris Recoil to dominate the 2022 Summer line-up, although it’s hard to go wrong with a bunch of awesome action girls at the helm. Having no pre-established fan base to depend on, A-1 Pictures’ risk has paid off, which will surely urge them to commit to Season 2’s production.

Best of Anime Music

Best Opening Sequence

There is a reason why Crunchyroll doesn’t have a “Skip Intro” button (or an automatic disregard for credits), as great detail goes into the creation of each anime’s Opening Sequence. The OP is essentially a tale in its own right, accompanied by a euphonious soundtrack for that long-lasting impression, eloquently displayed by the following candidates:

• “Chikichiki Banban,” QUEENDOM, Ya Boy Kongming!
• “Mixed Nuts,” Official HIGE DANdism, SPY x FAMILY
• “Naked Hero,” Vaundy, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• “The Rumbling,” SiM, Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• “This Fffire,” Franz Ferdinand, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• “Zankyousanka,” Aimer, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc

Attack on Titan conquers the music segment with the top-viewed Opening Sequence of its time, earning “The Rumbling” by SiM more than 57 million views on YouTube (in 2022), leaving Beastars in the dust. SiM will thankfully return to work their magic for the finale with “Under the Tree” for The Final Season: Part 3.

“The Rumbling” also stole the show as the Best Anime Song of 2022, winning against worthy competitors such as:

• “Chikichiki Banban,” QUEENDOM, Ya Boy Kongming!
• “Comedy,” Gen Hoshino, SPY x FAMILY
• “My Nonfiction,” Miyuki Shirogane & Chika Fujiwara, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-
• “New Genesis,” Ado, One Piece Film Red
• “Shall We Dance?,” ReoNa, SHADOWS HOUSE -2nd Season-

Furthermore, it seems that fans are more than happy with Hiroyuki Sawano’s work, as Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 proved to possess the Best Score overall, defeating the likes of:

• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
• SPY x FAMILY
• Ya Boy Kongming!

Best Ending Sequence

Anime outros should not be missed as a rule, as they often give insights into the fan-favorite characters, with some spectacular beats thrown in for good measure. The 2022 contestants for Best Ending Sequences are:

• “Akuma no Ko,” Ai Higuchi, Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• “Comedy,” Gen Hoshino, SPY x FAMILY
• “My Heart Has Surrendered,” Airi Suzuki, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-
• “Koi no yukue,” Akari Akase, My Dress-Up Darling
• “Koshaberibiyori,” FantasticYouth, Komi Can’t Communicate (2nd Series)
• “Yofukashino Uta,” Creepy Nuts, Call of the Night

When it comes to leaving fans on a good note, Gen Hoshino gets the job done with “Comedy,” a melodic tune that is guaranteed to get the head bopping. ALI previously claimed this title in the 6th Anime Award with Jujutsu Kaisen (who didn’t even make the list this time around.)

Best Anime: Genre Specific

It would be rather overwhelming to try and credit the best anime in every possible genre, so only the top guns were chosen for the main event. It’s safe to say that little explanation is needed regarding this segment, with each category listed below displaying the winning anime in bold.

Best Action

• Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean
• Lycoris Recoil
• SPY x FAMILY
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc

Best Comedy

• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-
• Kotaro Lives Alone
• My Dress-Up Darling
• Uncle from Another World
• Ya Boy Kongming!
• SPY x FAMILY

Best Drama

• 86 EIGHTY-SIX Part 2
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Dance Dance Danseur
• Kotaro Lives Alone
• Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
• Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2

Best Fantasy

• Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
• Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 1 Part 2
• Overlord IV
• Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• The Case Study of Vanitas (Cour 2)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc

Best Romance

• Call of the Night
• Komi Can’t Communicate (2nd Series)
• Love After World Domination
• My Dress-Up Darling
• Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-

Best Film

Although series are given all the attention in the Anime Awards, 2022’s memorable movies have not been left out, with a healthy mix of genres in its ranks. The Big Three bring double the trouble for this category, and yet a (slightly) more underrated anime surpasses the great Goku and Luffy to claim the prize. The contenders consist of:

• Bubble
• Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO
• INU-OH
• JUJUTSU KAISEN 0
• One Piece Film Red
• The Deer King

Demon Slayer and its Mugen Train have had to make way for the next batch of superstars, who help (and hinder) Yuta Okkotsu’s attempt at controlling a Cursed Spirit in the prequel film, JUJUTSU KAISEN 0. The masterful studio MAPPA has done it again.

Behind the Scenes

The faceless anime heroes aren’t instantly recognizable like Nezuko or Tanjiro, yet their names likely earn them instant access into any otaku’s party, as the masterminds that bring these beloved stories to life. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc dominated in both Best Director and Best Animation categories, with Haruo Sotozaki and Ufotable to thank, respectably. Ironically, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! had the same double-win result in the 6th Awards. Demon Slayer was against powerhouses such as:

Best Director

• Hiroyuki Imaishi, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Kazuhiro Furuhashi, SPY x FAMILY
• Shingo Adachi, Lycoris Recoil
• Yosuke Hatta, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Yuichiro Hayashi, Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2

Best Animation

• Akebi’s Sailor Uniform
• Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• SPY x FAMILY

Best Voice Actors

Anime Voice Artists have not always received the recognition they deserve; however, fans know the difference it makes when an enthusiastic actor is on board for this arguably underappreciated behind-the-scenes work. Crunchyroll ensures to celebrate the Best VA Performances, covering numerous languages, including:

Best VA Performance: Japanese

• Atsumi Tanezaki, Anya Forger, SPY x FAMILY
• Chika Anzai, Chisato Nishikigi, Lycoris Recoil
• Fairouz Ai, Jolyne Cujoh, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean
• Misaki Kuno, Faputa and Irumyuui, Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun
• Natsuki Hanae, Tanjiro Kamado, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• Yuki Kaji, Eren Yeager, Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2

It would make sense for the Best Main Character to also have the Best Japanese Voice Actor, as Attack on Titan’s Eren would arguably be nothing without Yuki Kaji’s epic contribution. He steals the title from 2021’s winner Yûsuke Kobayashi, who voices Natsuki Subaru in Re: Zero.

Best VA Performance: English

• Amanda Lee (Ama Lee), Marin Kitagawa, My Dress-Up Darling
• Cherami Leigh, Kotaro Sato, Kotaro Lives Alone
• Natalie Van Sistine, Yor Forger, SPY x FAMILY
• SungWon Cho (AKA ProZD), Kage, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Zach Aguilar, David, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Zeno Robinson, Gamma 2, Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO

Zach Aguilar has an extensive list of successful anime on his resume, and proudly adds Cyberpunk: Edgerunners to his award-winning accolades. It takes one mighty voice to dethrone My Hero Academia’s #2 Pro-Hero, however, if anyone is brave enough to attempt it, it’s David.

Best Anime Characters

Best Character Design

Unique character designs make each individual truly memorable, allowing them to stand out from the masses with their flair and style. Clothing does not exclusively define a good design, as any distinctive elements that contribute to the anime’s overall image deserve recognition, too. Such nominees include:

• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean
• My Dress-Up Darling
• Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• SPY x FAMILY

While Cyberpunk and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure successfully tend to the flamboyant video game aesthetic, it seems that anime fans still prefer the more traditional route that Demon Slayer follows. Akira Matsushima is responsible for this anime’s breathtaking artwork, which highlights iconic Japanese elegance with a strong Neo Traditional flair, stealing the show from last year’s winner, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.

Best Main Character

The central figures that carry the weight of the world for their fandom certainly deserve some praise, particularly if they are well-rounded, likable, thought-provoking protagonists, such as the following contenders:

• Bojji, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Chisato Nishikigi, Lycoris Recoil
• David Martinez, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Eren Jaeger, Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• Loid Forger, SPY x FAMILY
• Marin Kitagawa, My Dress-Up Darling

As the current titan of the anime industry, Eren Jaeger (also spelled Yaeger), has been pulling at the audience’s heartstrings since 2013, and still has enough charm in his pocket to keep fans coming back for more. Attack on Titan has gathered enough steam to become one of the most popular anime worldwide, with Eren gallantly leading the way to greatness.

“Must Protect At All Costs” Character

There are certain characters that people just can’t help but love, and somehow, they always end up in a spot of trouble, needing someone reliable to bail them out. Their helplessness comes off as endearing rather than needy and annoying, which is enchantingly displayed by:

• Anya Forger, SPY x FAMILY
• Bojji, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Kage, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Komi Shouko, Komi Can’t Communicate (2nd series)
• Kotaro Sato, Kotaro Lives Alone
• Marin Kitagawa, My Dress-Up Darling

Even though Ranking of Kings earned itself two spots on this roster (a slightly unfair advantage), not many stand a chance against Anya Forger’s overpowering cuteness factor. Although Anya is essentially the ultimate damsel-in-distress, she somehow ends up being the hero of the day more often than not (even if she causes most problems in the first place).

Best Supporting Character

It is not uncommon for a Supporting Character to steal the spotlight, which is likely why Crunchyroll decided to finally honor these “minor” protagonists with their own category. The following colorful characters left a worthwhile impression on anime fans in 2022:

• Ai Hayasaka, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-
• Anya Forger, SPY x FAMILY
• Kage, Ranking of Kings (Cour 2)
• Rebecca, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Tengen Uzui, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• Yor Forger, SPY x FAMILY

Anya Forger brings home the glory for SPY x FAMILY once again, adding the Best Supporting Character to her collection, and proving that one needn’t rely on sex appeal to gain recognition. This pink-haired princess paves the way for future support heroes, as the first of her name in this award category.

Anime of the Year

As the name suggests, the Anime of the Year must be a well-rounded display of quality performance, employing a rich, full-bodied storyline with captivating character designs and awe-inspiring animation. Those possessing such admirable characteristics include:

• Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
• Lycoris Recoil
• Ranking of Kings (cour 2)
• SPY x FAMILY

Cyberpunk was nominated in an outstanding twelve of Crunchyroll’s categories, however, Studio Trigger only went home with two trophies; although arguably, the award that counts the most. Presented by renowned YouTubers, Valkyrae and Sykkuno, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners officially joined the ranks of the all-time Best Anime of 2022, taking the title from the former reigning champ, Jujutsu Kaisen.

Top Overall Performers:

Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime