In a bold move that signals anime’s increasing gravitas in the global film landscape, Crunchyroll has officially launched an awards campaign for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle. The aim: to push the blockbuster film into contention at the 2026 Academy Awards, particularly for Best Animated Feature. This marks one of anime’s most determined attempts to break into the Oscars spotlight past efforts have been limited, but Infinity Castle’s commercial and critical success may make this attempt different.
The Stakes: Why Infinity Castle Deserves the Push
Box Office Power & Global Reach
Released in 2025, Infinity Castle shattered numerous box office records. It became one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time, earning more than $600 million worldwide.
That scale of success helps underpin its awards prospects, giving it the kind of visibility that studios often require for Oscar campaigning.
Critical Acclaim & Artistic Merit
Critics across the board praised Infinity Castle for its stunning visuals, fluid animation, and high-impact storytelling—though some flagged pacing issues.
By backing the campaign, Crunchyroll is signaling confidence that the film isn’t just a fan favorite, but a serious creative achievement worthy of recognition among global animation peers.
Anime’s Long Oscar Shadow
Until now, few anime films beyond Studio Ghibli’s classics have broken through at the Oscars. Previous Demon Slayer entries like Mugen Train did not secure Academy nominations.
Crunchyroll’s campaign appears designed to break that ceiling, positioning Infinity Castle as a contender rather than an afterthought.
Crunchyroll’s Strategy: What the Campaign Looks Like
Advocacy & Messaging
Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini described the push as more than awards seeking he termed Infinity Castle a “global phenomenon.” The goal, Purini stated, is to ensure the film “gets the right level of attention” across all eligible Oscar categories.
The campaign will likely target Oscar voters in the animation branch, critics, and industry influencers to highlight visual innovation, direction, sound design, and emotional impact.
Targeting Multiple Awards
While the Oscars are the marquee target, Crunchyroll is reportedly eyeing other awards too such as the Annie Awards, various international animation film festivals, and critics’ circuities.
Each additional nomination or win in these venues can amplify the narrative that Infinity Castle merits recognition at the highest levels.
Timing & Visibility
To be Oscar eligible, campaigns often require early screenings, press kits, Q&As, and outreach. Given Infinity Castle’s already widespread theatrical run, Crunchyroll has some structural advantages.
Yet, converting box office success into awards momentum requires deliberate marketing: screening events for Academy members, behind-the-scenes material, interviews with the creators, and critical write-ups.
Challenges & Critics: Will It Work?
Animation Competition & Academy Bias
The animation category at the Oscars is fiercely competitive. Films from major studios (Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks) or auteur-driven projects often dominate discourse. Anime entrants face uphill battles in recognition, distribution, and perception among Academy voters.
Cultural/Language Barrier
Anime often comes with cultural specificity and subtitling considerations. Some voters may be less attuned to the narrative conventions of Japanese animation, especially when compared with mainstream Western animation.
Past Oscar History
Although the Academy does occasionally nominate foreign animated works (e.g. Spirited Away), it’s rare. Crunchyroll’s campaign must surpass not just quality thresholds but entrenched awareness.
Risk of Oversaturation
Pushing for many awards can dilute focus. If resources are spread thin, the campaign might fail to land strong traction in the most influential circles.
Industry & Fan Reaction
Anime & Critic Communities
Many anime fans and critics view this push with excitement. Some believe Infinity Castle presents the most compelling case yet for anime in the Oscars race.
Reddit’s OscarRace community has debated the odds some expressing hopeful optimism, others cautioning it may remain symbolic.
Film Industry Observers
Industry watchers see this as a key moment in the evolution of anime’s status in global cinema. If successful, it could open doors for more Japanese animated films to be seriously considered in Western awards spaces.
Fan Power
The established Demon Slayer fandom is vast and active. Their enthusiasm and campaign support can help generate buzz, social media pressure, and grassroots visibility. But fandom alone can’t sway Academy voters strategic outreach remains essential.
What Success Could Mean
Breaking New Ground
If Infinity Castle lands even one Oscar nomination, it would break ground for anime outside of Ghibli’s legacy. It could shift perceptions about animation as a culturally flexible, globally valued art form.
Encouraging More Campaigns
Success may encourage other anime studios and streaming platforms to invest in awards campaigns, elevating the entire medium’s prestige.
Bridging Global Animation
Recognition at the Oscars could bridge the East-West animation divide, encouraging more cross-cultural collaborations and distribution.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
- Oscar Shortlists & Nominations
Will Infinity Castle appear on the Academy’s shortlist for Best Animated Feature? That will be the first major test. - Award Circuit Performance
How it fares at the Annies, critics’ awards, and animation festivals may build momentum. - Promotional Events
Public screenings, Q&A sessions, press kits, and campaigning efforts beginning early in 2026. - Streaming Release Timing
Infinity Castle is currently not available on streaming platforms until at least 2026 so theatrical exclusivity may help maintain buzz. - Part 2 & Franchise Continuation
With speculation about Infinity Castle Part 2 being revealed at Jump Festa 2026, the franchise momentum could feed into awards interest.
Crunchyroll’s 2026 Oscar campaign for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is ambitious but not unfounded. The film’s record-breaking box office, strong critical reception, and passionate fanbase give it legitimacy. If combined with a focused and high-impact awards strategy, it could rewrite parts of anime’s relationship with the global film industry.
But success won’t come easily. It will require sustained effort, sharp messaging, and breakthroughs in perception. Whether Infinity Castle will take home an Oscar or even a nomination remains to be seen—but in trying, it stakes a claim for anime’s growing voice on the world stage.
