Anime Society Awards 2026 Winners Announced: Over 1,000 Fans Voted to Crown the Yearβs Best Anime
Devil King Arian 
After weeks of anticipation, passionate debates, and an incredible wave of participation, the Anime Society Awards 2026 results are finally here. This year, over 1,000 votes were submitted by fans, making this our biggest and most competitive awards season yet. The final results combine community voting with team deliberation to celebrate the anime, creators, characters, and music that defined the year.
From emotional storytelling and breathtaking animation to unforgettable characters and powerful soundtracks, this year proved once again that anime continues to evolve and inspire audiences worldwide.
π Core Awards
Anime of the Year
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
A rare series that blends mystery, politics, romance, and character-driven storytelling with effortless elegance. Season 2 elevated everything fans loved about the first season while expanding its world and stakes beautifully. Maomaoβs sharp intellect, the slow-burn court intrigue, and the showβs stunning presentation made it the most complete anime experience of the year. It dominated discussions, consistently impressed viewers, and ultimately stood tall as the yearβs defining series.
Movie of the Year
Chainsaw Man The Movie – Reze Arc
The Reze Arc delivered cinematic storytelling at its finest, turning one of the mangaβs most beloved arcs into an emotional rollercoaster. The film balanced action, romance, tragedy, and character depth with breathtaking animation and direction. Its impact on fans and the community made it the standout theatrical anime release of the year.
Best New Anime
Secrets of the Silent Witch
A fresh fantasy story that quickly captured audiences with its unique protagonist and magical worldbuilding. The series balanced charm, humor, and heartfelt moments while delivering a compelling narrative. Its originality and strong debut season helped it stand out in a crowded year of new releases.
Best Sequel Anime
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
A sequel that didnβt just continue the story but elevated it. The deeper political intrigue, character development, and emotional storytelling showed exactly how a second season should build upon its foundation.
π Genre Awards
Best Action Anime
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
The final season delivered high-stakes battles, emotional payoffs, and cinematic spectacle worthy of the seriesβ legacy. Every confrontation carried emotional weight, making it a fitting and powerful culmination of the long-running superhero story.
Best Romance Anime
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
A heartfelt romance that resonated deeply with viewers through its sincerity and emotional warmth. Its grounded storytelling and lovable characters made it one of the most beloved romance series of the year.
Best Slice of Life Anime
Food for the Soul
A comforting and wholesome series that reminded viewers of the beauty in everyday life. Its gentle storytelling and warm atmosphere made it a standout in the slice-of-life genre.
Best Mystery Anime
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
From palace conspiracies to intricate investigations, the series delivered engaging mysteries with intelligence and style. Each case deepened the world and its characters.
Best Fantasy Anime
Secrets of the Silent Witch
Its magical setting, strong character writing, and engaging plot cemented its place as the yearβs standout fantasy title.
Best Comedy Anime
Grand Blue Season 2
The return of Grand Blue brought back chaotic humor, outrageous antics, and unforgettable comedic timing. Few anime can match its ability to consistently make audiences laugh.
Best Drama Anime
Takopiβs Original Sin
A deeply emotional and powerful story that left a lasting impression on viewers. Its themes and storytelling resonated strongly, making it the yearβs most impactful drama.
Best Sci-Fi Anime
Dr. Stone: Science Future
Blending science, adventure, and optimism, the final chapters of Dr. Stone continued to inspire and entertain. Its unique premise and educational charm made it the standout sci-fi title.
π¨ Technical Excellence
Best Animation
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
From large-scale battles to emotional character moments, the animation consistently delivered spectacle and polish.
Best Studio
CloverWorks
A year of strong productions and consistent quality made CloverWorks the standout studio of the season.
Best Character Design
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Elegant, expressive, and instantly recognizable, the character designs played a major role in the seriesβ immersive storytelling.
Best Director
Li Haoling – To Be Hero X
Creative direction and storytelling vision helped make the series visually and narratively distinctive.
π€ Character Awards
Best Boy Protagonist
Midoriya Izuku – My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
A journey of growth, sacrifice, and heroism reached its emotional peak in the final season.
Best Girl Protagonist
Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Her intelligence, personality, and unforgettable presence made her one of the most beloved characters of the year.
Best Supporting Boy Character
Bakugo Katsuki – My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
A fan-favorite character whose development and impact remained strong until the very end.
Best Supporting Girl Character
Shiratori Aira – Dan Da Dan Season 2
A dynamic and entertaining character who added energy and charm to the series.
Best Antagonist
Shigaraki Tomura – My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
A compelling villain whose presence raised the stakes and emotional tension of the story.
π€ Voice Acting Awards
Best Male Seiyuu
Tomokazu Sugita
A legendary performer who continues to deliver memorable performances year after year.
Best Female Seiyuu
Yuuki Aoi
Her versatility and powerful performances made her a clear standout this year.
πΆ Music Awards
Best Opening Song
βHyakka Ryouranβ – The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
A visually and musically stunning opening that perfectly captured the showβs tone and atmosphere.
Best Ending Song
βShiawase no Recipeβ – The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
A beautiful and emotional ending theme that left viewers with a warm, lasting impression after every episode.
With over 1,000 votes cast, the Anime Society Awards 2026 became our biggest celebration yet, reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of fans across the community. This yearβs results highlight a powerful blend of emotional storytelling, spectacular animation, unforgettable characters, and standout music that defined the anime landscape. From the sweeping success of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 to the explosive impact of My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, the winners showcase just how diverse and exciting anime continues to be.
Most importantly, these awards celebrate the community itself. Every vote and discussion helped shape a list that honors the anime that made us laugh, cry, cheer, and stay up late for one more episode. As a new year of incredible releases begins, the journey toward the next Anime Society Awards has already started.
