Crunchyroll Pushes Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle as a Serious Oscars Contender

by

Everyone is watching Demon Slayer as the Infinity Castle movie keeps setting new box office records, not only in Japan but worldwide. It has now earned more than the upcoming 2025 Superman movie and even surpassed the Mugen Train film to become the highest-grossing anime movie ever in Japan. This is a huge achievement for Demon Slayer, and many fans think Infinity Castle could be nominated for an award at the 2026 Oscars.

Despite the consistent box office success of Demon Slayer, no film in the series has ever been nominated for an Academy Award. This time, Crunchyroll is optimistic about the first Infinity Castle movie, launching a significant campaign to potentially earn nominations in every eligible category. Achieving this would be a landmark accomplishment for the series created by Koyoharu Gotouge. It’s a big push for recognition!

Demon Slayer Has Yet to Win an Oscar

Demon Slayer Still Has No Oscar Nomination

  • Demon Slayer has box-office power but fails to break into the Oscars.
  • Infinity Castle is Demon Slayer’s best chance to gain an Oscar nomination.

There’s no question that Demon Slayer is among the most popular anime series ever made, and the first Infinity Castle movie, Akaza Returns, further solidifies its status as a global hit. The film remains a box-office leader, with fans continuing to visit theaters for repeat viewings of the beginning of the Infinity Castle story arc, demonstrating the series’ lasting appeal.

Despite its huge popularity, it’s well known that Demon Slayer has never been nominated for an Academy Award. The 2020 film, *Mugen Train*, didn’t receive any recognition from the Academy, which many fans around the world found disappointing, as it was such a significant cultural hit. This has led fans to hope that the Infinity Castle movie will be Demon Slayer’s opportunity to finally be recognized by the Oscars.

To date, only two anime movies have received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and both came from Studio Ghibli: Spirited Away and, most recently, The Boy and the Heron. Now, with a lot of support building for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, many people – including Crunchyroll – are hoping it could be the next anime film to either win the Oscar in that category or, at the very least, receive a nomination.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Gets Oscar Push From Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll’s Ambitious Hopes for Infinity Castle at the 2026 Oscars

  • Crunchyroll campaigns for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle at the Oscars.

Following the strong performance of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle in theaters both in Japan and worldwide, Crunchyroll is aiming to have the film seriously considered for the 2026 Oscars. Many fans globally feel it’s finally time for an anime film not made by Studio Ghibli to be recognized by the Academy Awards, and they’re sharing their reasons why Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle deserves a nomination, or even a win.

Beyond its financial achievements, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is a stunning visual experience. The film highlights Ufotable’s exceptional animation quality, featuring incredible action sequences and meticulously crafted environments, which could make it a contender for Oscar consideration. Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, shares the enthusiasm of fans, and believes that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle deserves an Oscar win.

We believe this movie is truly outstanding – the animation is top-notch, the story is compelling, and the overall production quality is excellent. Therefore, the devoted fans definitely deserve to have it recognized with awards. We will actively work to ensure the film receives the necessary support and is submitted for consideration in every category for which it qualifies.

-Crunchyroll President, Rahul Purini

Now that Crunchyroll has pledged to fully support Infinity Castle’s eligibility for all relevant awards, fans are optimistic that Demon Slayer could achieve the same recognition as acclaimed films like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron.

Could Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Earn an Oscar Nomination?

It Will Be Difficult, But Not Impossible

Just like with the Mugen Train movie, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle may find it difficult to receive an Oscar nomination. This is largely because it isn’t a complete, independent film, and historically, anime submissions haven’t performed well, frequently being overshadowed by more popular animated films that attract wider viewership.

I’ll find a way, no matter what!—Tanjiro Kamado

Actually, animated movies such as K-Pop Demon Hunters, In Your Dreams, and Little Amélie or the Character of Rain might get more recognition next year than Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. However, because Crunchyroll is heavily promoting Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, it’s still possible that its popularity and impact could lead to awards consideration.

Read More

2025-10-02 17:35