The Weeknd to present Anime of the Year at 2026 Crunchyroll Awards
The Weeknd to present Anime of the Year at 2026 Crunchyroll Awards
The global music superstar The Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, is set to headline the 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
This milestone event will be held in Tokyo on May 23, 2026.
This role is a perfect fit, as The Weeknd has frequently credited anime as a cornerstone of his creative identity.
He notes that early childhood favorites like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z sparked his imagination, while the series Samurai Champloo profoundly influenced the sound and atmosphere of his debut mixtape, House of Balloons.
Furthermore, legendary anime directors such as Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii have helped define his distinct visual style.
The ceremony will also celebrate the medium with musical performances from renowned Japanese artists and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, honoring the industry that the singer admits he would not be here without.
