2025 Anime Awards Winners Announced

The wait is finally over! The 2025 Anime Awards ceremony has concluded, crowning this year's best anime series, films, and creators. With record-breaking viewership and fan participation, this year's awards highlighted both established favorites and surprising newcomers that captured our hearts.

Hosted in Tokyo with live broadcasts worldwide, the ceremony featured stunning performances and emotional acceptance speeches. Let's dive into all the major winners and memorable moments from this year's event.

🏆 Anime of the Year

"Eclipse Requiem"

The dark fantasy epic from Studio Khara took home the night's top honor, praised for its breathtaking animation and profound storytelling that explores themes of memory and redemption.

Runner-ups:

• "Starlight Odyssey" (Ufotable)
• "Neon Samurai: Resurrection" (MAPPA)

🎭 Best Protagonist

Lena Volkova - "Eclipse Requiem"

Voiced by veteran seiyuu Aoi Koga, Lena's journey from amnesiac soldier to revolutionary leader captivated audiences with its emotional depth and stunning character development.

👹 Best Antagonist

The Hollow King - "Eclipse Requiem"

This tragic villain, brought to life by Kenjiro Tsuda's haunting performance, redefined what it means to be a compelling antagonist with his complex motivations and heartbreaking backstory.

🎨 Best Animation

Studio Khara - "Eclipse Requiem"

The studio's innovative blend of traditional 2D animation with cutting-edge CGI created some of the most visually stunning sequences in anime history, particularly in the climactic battle scenes.

🎵 Best Soundtrack

Yuki Kajiura - "Starlight Odyssey"

Kajiura's ethereal compositions perfectly complemented the space opera's grand scale, with the main theme "Stellar Rebirth" becoming an instant classic among fans.

❤️ Best Romance

"Whispering Hearts" (CloverWorks)

This tender story about two hearing-impaired teenagers falling in love charmed audiences with its authentic representation and beautifully animated sign language sequences.

🔥 Best Action

"Neon Samurai: Resurrection" (MAPPA)

With choreography that pushed the boundaries of animation, this cyberpunk masterpiece delivered fight sequences that left fans breathless week after week.

💎 Hidden Gem Award

"Postman's Journey" (Science SARU)

This quiet, contemplative series about a postman traveling through a post-apocalyptic Japan flew under many radars but deserves attention for its stunning watercolor visuals and poignant storytelling.

Ceremony Highlights

The 2025 awards featured several unforgettable moments:

• A surprise performance by YOASOBI of the "Eclipse Requiem" opening theme
• An emotional tribute to legendary animator Yoshiharu Sato who passed earlier this year
• The debut of a new category for Best Environmental Storytelling
• A record 12 million live viewers during the Anime of the Year announcement

Complete Winners List

For those who want every detail, here's the full breakdown of winners:

• Best Film: "The Last Onmyouji"
• Best Director: Makoto Shinkai ("Starlight Odyssey")
• Best Character Design: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto ("Neon Samurai")
• Best Opening Sequence: "Phantom Blood" (produced by Kamikaze Douga)
• Best Continuing Series: "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc"