The Anime Industry saw massive wins in 2025. Multiple movies saw success in the global box office, raking in millions in revenue. That said, come this awards season, these movies were snubbed of awards nominations. Unsurprisingly, the fan response was negative, especially considering past Anime films’ nominations and wins.
Animation in general has always had a difficult time getting a similar level of recognition and prestige amongst award organizations. For far too long, animation in the West was regulated as strictly children’s media and unable to tell deep, thematic stories. It is a sentiment that has been proven wrong time and time again; that said, traditional entertainment companies continue to remain resistant to change.
Anime is no longer the same niche genre of media it was in the early 2000s. Currently, Anime is one of the largest entertainment media categories in recent years, generating over $25 billion globally in 2024. Its influence can be felt heavily amongst younger generations and only grows by the year.
So it is understandable that popular films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc would do phenomenally well. These are two movies that have spectacle and action at the forefront, adapting major story arcs of their franchise’s original source material. Unlike previous Anime that have made it to awards season, these movies aren’t a true standalone experience. They are both cinematic continuations of their respective television series.
Additionally, for awards shows like the Oscars, these movies are largely the opposite of what they consider a quality animated movie. It is a bias that will only grow more contentious as the next generation of viewers makes itself known.
