7 Shocking Controversies Behind the Crunchyroll Awards
Picture this: You’ve spent months passionately campaigning for your favorite underdog anime to win “Anime of the Year.” The results drop and a mainstream juggernaut sweeps every category. Sound familiar? Welcome to the controversies behind the Crunchyroll Awards, where fan outrage burns hotter than Akaza’s Blood Demon Art.
Fan Favorites vs. Judges’ Picks: The Eternal Debate
Who really decides the winners? Since 2017, the Crunchyroll Awards have juggled fan voting and jury selection processes. Fans pick nominees, but industry judges choose winners. This hybrid model sparks annual fury.
In 2021, Jujutsu Kaisen dominated fan polls but lost “Anime of the Year” to judges’ choice Attack on Titan: Final Season. Social media erupted. Was artistic merit prioritized over popularity? Or did judges override the community’s voice?
Did You Know?
- Only 30% of categories use pure fan voting
- Judges include Western critics, not Japanese creators
- Fan votes account for just 60% of final decisions
Popularity Contest or True Merit? Award Selection Criticism
Critics argue that the awards sometimes resemble a popularity contest more than a merit-based recognition. Highly popular series often dominate, overshadowing lesser-known but critically acclaimed works.
This trend raises questions about the criteria used for selection and whether true artistic merit is being honored.
While fans debate the awards, many still ask why multiple profiles aren’t available yet; a basic feature for most platforms.
Snubbed Series That Should Have Won
Snubbed series haunt every ceremony. In 2022, Odd Taxi—a critical darling with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, wasn’t even nominated for Best Story. Meanwhile, Attack on Titan took 15 nominations.
Most Infamous Snubs:
| Year | Snubbed Anime | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | A Place Further Than Universe | AOTY | Devilman Crybaby |
| 2023 | Chainsaw Man (Best Animation) | Demon Slayer | |
| 2024 | Frieren (Best Score) | Jujutsu Kaisen |
Western vs. Japanese Fan Taste Divides
Western bias permeates the awards. Japanese fans rarely vote, only 8% of 2024 voters were from Asia. This skews results toward global hits over domestic favorites.
When Zombie Land Saga won “Best Idol Anime” over Japan’s beloved Love Live! in 2021, Japanese Twitter exploded. One producer tweeted: “海外のファンは分かっていない” (“Overseas fans don’t understand”).
Category Controversies: Odd Nominations & Omissions
Why was BEASTARS nominated for “Best Romance” (2021) instead of “Best CGI”? Why does “Best VA Performance” ignore Japanese voice actors?
Problematic Patterns:
- Genre mismatches
- No “Best Background Art” category
- Film/TV series compete unfairly
- Only English dubs recognized
Host & Presenter Backlash Over the Years
The choice of hosts and presenters has occasionally stirred controversy. Critics argue that some hosts lack familiarity with anime culture, leading to awkward or misinformed presentations. Such instances detract from the event’s credibility and fan engagement.
Voting System Flaws & Alleged Rigging Accusations
Voting manipulation allegations surface yearly. In 2023, bots flooded polls for Spy x Family. Crunchyroll nullified votes—but not before backlash trended globally.
Flaws Exposed:
- No CAPTCHA verification
- Unlimited votes via VPNs
- Vote tallies never published
Studio & Creator Reactions to Wins/Losses
Reactions from studios and creators to the awards have been mixed. While some express gratitude, others have voiced disappointment over perceived biases or oversights. These responses highlight the impact of the awards on industry stakeholders.
How Streaming Numbers Influence Awards
Streaming metrics often play a significant role in award considerations. High viewership can sway both fan votes and judge opinions, potentially sidelining less-streamed but high-quality series. This reliance on numbers raises questions about the balance between popularity and quality.
Can the Awards Truly Represent Global Anime Fans?
With social media backlash growing yearly, Crunchyroll added international judges in 2024. But fundamental issues remain:
5 Fixes Fans Demand:
- Separate films/series categories
- Transparent vote counts
- 50% Japanese jury representation
- New categories (e.g., Best Background Art)
- Dual sub/dub VA awards
5 Actionable Tips to Improve the Crunchyroll Awards
- Enhance Transparency: Clearly communicate the selection and voting processes to build trust among fans and industry professionals.
- Diversify the Jury: Include a broader range of judges from different cultural backgrounds to reflect global perspectives.
- Limit Fan Voting Influence: Balance fan votes with expert opinions to ensure that both popularity and quality are considered.
- Revise Categories: Regularly assess and update award categories to reflect the evolving anime landscape.
- Engage with Feedback: Actively seek and incorporate feedback from the anime community to improve future awards.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of Anime Recognition
The Crunchyroll Awards aim to celebrate the best in anime, but they face challenges in balancing fan preferences, critical acclaim, and cultural diversity. By addressing controversies and implementing improvements, the awards can strive to more accurately reflect the rich and varied world of anime.
For more insights into the controversies surrounding the Crunchyroll Awards, you can refer to this detailed analysis: The 2025 CrunchyRoll Anime Awards Controversy Explained.
