"Demon Slayer" Anime Film Poised to Slay the Oscars

As of November 15, 2025, the anime film "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" has emerged as a frontrunner in the race for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. The film, distributed by Crunchyroll, shattered records last year when it became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, earning $682 million globally.

Crunchyroll's marketing strategy targeted both long-time anime fans and newcomers to the artform. The company leveraged its deep connection with the fan base, creating immersive experiences at events like San Diego Comic-Con. Bringing in popular voice actors and musicians also helped the film connect with its passionate audience worldwide.

Now, Crunchyroll is running a full awards season campaign for "Demon Slayer," hoping to see the anime medium recognized by the Academy. The film's score, production design, and overall craftsmanship have been widely praised. Crunchyroll executives are optimistic that voters will consider the film seriously, building on the success of previous anime Oscar winners like "Spirited Away" and "The Boy and the Heron."

The decision to adapt "Demon Slayer" into a feature film, rather than another season of the popular series, was driven by the cinematic nature of the story. The animation studio Ufotable recognized the need to present the narrative on the biggest possible stage, with the best visuals and sound. Crunchyroll is committed to bringing the full theatrical experience to fans, who have shown a strong appetite for seeing these anime stories on the big screen.