2025 Anime Awards Winners Crunchyroll Announced
The awards highlighted both the growth of anime's global reach, with the introduction of Hindi-dubbed content, and the challenges in balancing fan preferences with critical acclaim, as seen in the mixed reactions to the winners, particularly the dominance of Solo Leveling in major categories.
Lohit Sharma has made history by winning the first-ever Best Hindi Voice Artist Performance award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025, a milestone that marks a significant recognition of Hindi voice talent in the anime industry.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025, held in Tokyo, introduced a global livestream and, for the first time, offered a Hindi-dubbed option, reflecting the growing diversity and inclusivity in the anime fan community. Fans worldwide participated in voting for their favorite nominees between April 3 and 14, contributing to the selection of winners across various categories.
However, the awards ceremony was not without controversy. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards faced criticism for prioritizing popularity over quality, as evident in the selection of winners. Solo Leveling emerged as a multiple award winner, including the prestigious Anime of the Year, a decision that surprised many fans who had anticipated Frieren to take the top honor. Furthermore, the Best Main Character award went to Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo, despite other nominees like Frieren and Okarun being considered more deserving by some fans.
The recognition of Lohit Sharma's contribution to Hindi voice acting in anime is a positive step towards acknowledging the diverse talent pool in the industry. However, the debate surrounding the awards' focus on popularity versus quality is likely to continue, sparking discussions among fans and critics alike about the criteria for excellence in anime.