The Biggest Night in Anime Inches Closer

The annual Anime Awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a global celebration of the medium’s boundless creativity, technical innovation, and emotional storytelling. Each year, fans and industry insiders alike dissect the nominations, debating which series truly redefined excellence across categories like Anime of the Year, Best Animation, Best Character Design, and Best Fight Scene. This season’s slate is exceptionally stacked, featuring returning juggernauts and breakneck newcomers. With the ceremony fast approaching, we’ve pored over the nominee list to break down which series lead the charge, why they earned their spots, and what their recognition says about the evolving anime landscape.

The Frontrunners: Multiple Nominations Define the Year’s Elite

A handful of shows have separated themselves from the pack, earning nominations across multiple categories — a testament not just to popularity, but to consistently high production values and narrative ambition. At the top are Attack on Titan: Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family Part 2, and My Hero Academia Season 6. Each brought something unique to the table, from hyper-kinetic fight choreography to deeply resonating character moments. Below, we’ll examine what made these series the year’s most decorated.

Attack on Titan: Final Season – Leading with 7 Nominations

If there were any doubts about Attack on Titan’s ability to stick the landing, the final season’s 7 nominations have erased them. Mappa’s continuation of the saga evolved into a grim, morally complex war epic, pairing jaw-dropping action with some of the most unsettling philosophical questions in modern anime. Its nominations sweep across Best Animation, Best Director, Best Score, Best Opening Sequence ("The Rumbling" by SiM), Best Character (Eren Jaeger), and the coveted Anime of the Year. Voters clearly recognized the sheer scale of the production — particularly the hand-drawn ODM gear sequences and the colossal Titan clashes that seamlessly blended 2D and 3D elements.

The final season didn't just deliver visual spectacle. It methodically deconstructed Eren’s hero’s journey, turning him from protagonist into traumatized antagonist in a way that kept audiences ethically off-balance. Critics have pointed to the soundtrack’s role in heightening this dread; composer Kohta Yamamoto built on Hiroyuki Sawano’s legacy with mournful orchestral pieces that linger long after the credits. For deeper insight into the scoring process, Crunchyroll’s interview with Kohta Yamamoto reveals how he approached the tonal shift. The show’s 7 nominations are a clear signal that the Academy intends to honor the series’ entire legacy as it concludes.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: A Staggering 5 Nominations

Hot on its heels, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 racked up 5 nominations, largely fueled by the acclaimed "Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" arc and the blood-soaked Shibuya Incident. The show is a masterclass in stylized combat, and MAPPA’s decision to bring on a roster of freelance animators paid off in sequences that have already become legendary — Yuji and Todo versus Mahito, Gojo’s 0.2-second Domain Expansion, and the chaotic subway massacre. These moments earned it nods for Best Fight Scene and Best Action Anime, alongside recognition for Best Character Design and Best Voice Acting Performance (Junya Enoki as Yuji).

Season 2 also deepened the emotional stakes by fleshing out Gojo’s tragic backstory and the devastating consequences of his sealing. The chemistry between Gojo and Geto gave weight to every frame, and episode 17, in particular, became a cultural moment, with the voice acting and animation pushing boundaries. The Anime News Network’s year-end roundup highlighted Jujutsu Kaisen as a pinnacle of TV animation. The show’s 5 nominations reflect its ability to shift from chaotic energy to quiet sorrow without losing momentum, a balance few action series sustain.

Chainsaw Man: Redefining Aesthetic and Grit

MAPPA’s other titan, Chainsaw Man, may not have topped the nomination count, but its 4 nominations speak volumes about its impact as a debut season. Recognized for Best Animation, Best Character Design, Best Ending Sequence, and Best New Series, the show carved out a lane entirely its own. The cinematic approach — using a film-like aspect ratio, rotoscoped crowd scenes, and an ambient soundscape — felt more like a series of independent art films than a weekly Jump adaptation. Denji’s grimy, desperate world came alive through character designer Kazutaka Sugiyama’s rougher, more naturalistic lines, a decision praised in a Sakugabooru production notes article.

The nominations also tipped their hat to the unprecedented 12 unique ending themes, each helmed by a different director and musician. From Maximum the Hormone’s “HAWATARI 2-OKU CENTI” to Vaundy’s “CHAINSAW BLOOD,” these closers became viral sensations, an extension of the narrative rather than an afterthought. While the series polarized some viewers with its slower pacing, the Academy’s recognition reinforces its status as a groundbreaking work that dared to treat shonen tropes with arthouse sensibility.

Spy x Family Part 2: Espionage Meets Wholesome Chaos

On the surface, a show about a fake family consisting of a spy, an assassin, and a telepath might seem lightweight, but Spy x Family Part 2 earned its multiple nominations — 4 in total — through sheer execution. The series captivated audiences by balancing laugh-out-loud physical comedy with genuine found-family warmth. Nominations include Best Comedy Anime, Best Ending Sequence (for "Shikisai" by Gen Hoshino), Best Voice Acting Performance (Saori Hayami as Yor), and Best Character (Anya Forger, whose legendary expressions became instant memes).

Part 2 expanded the world by introducing the deadly-yet-sweet cruise ship arc, where Yor’s assassin skills took center stage in a bloody, ballet-like fight that none of her family witnesses. The juxtaposition of Loid’s spycraft, Yor’s brutality, and Anya’s innocent attempts to hold everything together kept the emotional core beating. The show’s ability to attract both hardcore fans and casual viewers — it trended weekly on global social media — is captured in a Polygon review that calls it “the ultimate comfort thriller.” With a third season on the horizon, these nominations ensure Spy x Family remains a critical darling.

My Hero Academia Season 6: The Veteran Still Shines

Entering its sixth season, My Hero Academia could have easily succumbed to franchise fatigue. Instead, it delivered perhaps its most harrowing, unrelenting arc — the Paranormal Liberation War — and walked away with nominations for Best Animation, Best Fight Scene (Deku vs. Shigaraki), and Best Character (Bakugo Katsuki). The season pushed its heroes past the breaking point, and Bones studio matched the emotional turmoil with raw, impressionistic animation during Deku’s “Dark Hero” vigilante phase.

The real standout was Bakugo’s evolution from rival to self-sacrificing protector. His voice actor, Nobuhiko Okamoto, poured a visceral desperation into the character that left audiences stunned. The production’s ability to maintain visual quality across 25 episodes is a testament to the studio’s scheduling and passion, as detailed in an ANN feature on the winter 2023 season. These nominations are a salute to a long-running shonen that refuses to phone it in.

The Complete Nomination Breakdown: Category by Category

Understanding the awards requires a look at the specific categories where these shows intersect and compete. While some categories are perennial favorites, others reflect the community’s growing appreciation for music, voice work, and artistic risk-taking.

Anime of the Year

    Attack on Titan: Final SeasonJujutsu Kaisen Season 2Chainsaw ManSpy x Family Part 2Oshi no Ko (dark horse entry, not in the top pack but noteworthy)

The most prestigious category finds Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen in a dead heat with Chainsaw Man as the ambitious outsider. Spy x Family’s inclusion shows that emotional resonance can rival spectacle. Oshi no Ko’s surprise nod is a reminder of the power of a shocking premiere episode.

Best Animation

    Attack on Titan: Final Season (Mappa)Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 (Mappa)Chainsaw Man (Mappa)Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc (Ufotable)Tengoku Daimakyo (Production I.G)

MAPPA’s triple threat dominates this category, demonstrating the studio’s range — from macro-scale titan battles to fluid martial arts and gritty realism. Ufotable’s signature blend of CGI and hand-drawn effects remains unmatched in Demon Slayer, while Tengoku Daimakyo’s gorgeous post-apocalyptic vistas prove that subtlety can also earn acclaim.

Best Character and Voice Acting

Eren Jaeger (Attack on Titan), Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen), Anya Forger (Spy x Family), and Bakugo Katsuki (My Hero Academia) all received nominations. The voice acting category highlights how these performers navigated their characters’ lows and highs — from Eren’s chilling monologues to Anya’s adorable outbursts.

What These Nominations Reveal About the Industry

The 2024 Anime Awards slate is not just a ranking of popularity polls. It mirrors several key trends that are reshaping the creative and business sides of the industry.

MAPPA’s Unprecedented Dominance

Three of the top nominated series — Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man — are all produced by MAPPA. This consolidation of critical acclaim under one roof highlights the studio’s aggressive production pipeline, though it has also sparked conversations about animator welfare. The studio’s ability to house multiple A-tier teams and maintain distinct visual identities (the clean shonen aesthetic of Jujutsu Kaisen vs. the film-grain of Chainsaw Man) is remarkable, but industry insiders have regularly pointed to the unsustainable pressure on staff. The Academy’s focus on artistic excellence, while warranted, also opens dialogue about sustainable production.

The Rise of Streaming-Driven Storytelling

All frontrunners benefited from simultaneous global streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. This day-and-date release strategy has turned anime into a shared worldwide event. Spy x Family’s comedy bits and Chainsaw Man’s ending songs trended globally because millions experienced them in unison. The nominations reflect a medium now crafting stories with a global audience in mind, embracing themes that transcend cultural boundaries.

Legacy Series vs. Dark Horse Debuts

While returning seasons like My Hero Academia Season 6 still command respect, there is a clear hunger for new blood. Chainsaw Man’s unconventional storytelling and Oshi no Ko’s intense debut — which didn’t break into the top-five nominee pack but garnered a likely upset mention — show that voters reward innovation. The Academy seems willing to recognize shows that take big swings, even if they don’t follow the classic shonen formula.

Fan Voting and the Global Community

A crucial component of the Anime Awards is the fan vote, which runs parallel to the judges’ decisions. Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen have massive, vocal fanbases that can mobilize overnight. However, categories like Best Score or Best Character Design often see judges’ influence balancing raw popularity. This hybrid system ensures that a meme-worthy character like Anya Forger gets acknowledged alongside more technical achievements. The official Crunchyroll Anime Awards site details the voting process and continually updates nominee highlights.

Fans have also used social media to champion underappreciated works. While the top series led nominations, shows like Bocchi the Rock! and Mob Psycho 100 III built passionate, cross-platform campaigns. The community’s role in elevating certain titles proves that anime consumption is inherently social.

Looking Ahead: The Ceremony and Beyond

The awards ceremony, scheduled for next month in Tokyo, will be live-streamed globally with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, pre-show interviews with animators and directors, and — for the first time — live performances of nominated opening and ending themes. Speculation is rampant: Will Attack on Titan sweep in its final eligible season? Can MAPPA’s own Jujutsu Kaisen upset its sibling series? Will Anya’s charm secure her Best Character over tragic giant Eren?

Regardless of who takes home the hardware, the 2024 Anime Awards already serve as a definitive time capsule of a pivotal year. The nominated series pushed boundaries in animation technique, voice direction, and serialized storytelling. For viewers still catching up, the nomination list doubles as a must-watch guide. And for creators, it’s a challenge to make the next season even better.

Conclusion: A Season of Unforgettable Excellence

As the community counts down to the ceremony, one thing is crystal clear: this year’s nominees represent a renaissance in anime artistry. The intense competition between Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, the stylistic rebellion of Chainsaw Man, the heartwarming brilliance of Spy x Family, and the enduring power of My Hero Academia all prove that the medium is thriving. These 2200 words only scratch the surface of what these shows achieved, but they underscore why the Anime Awards matter — they celebrate not just winners, but the entire creative ecosystem that makes anime a global phenomenon. Whether your favorite series captures the trophies or simply basks in the honor of being nominated, the entire slate has already won by elevating the art form.