Solo leveling snubbed at anime awards – is the reign over?

A significant tremor has rattled the Anime Awards landscape: Solo Leveling, the breakout hit of 2025, has been conspicuously absent from the nominations for the 2026 awards, despite a successful second season. This omission, announced by Crunchyroll, throws a shadow over what was previously considered an unshakeable dominance and raises questions about the evolving tastes of the voting body.

The field of contenders: a crowded arena

The Anime Awards, established in 2017, have long been a barometer of the year’s most impactful animated series. This year’s main category sees Gachiakuta S1, My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, DanDaDan S2, Takopi's Original Sin, and The Apothecary Diaries S2 vying for the top prize. The competition is fierce, with Takopi’s Original Sin generating considerable buzz, while Gachiakuta has stepped into the void left by the departure of titans like Attack on Titan. The final season of My Hero Academia, of course, delivers a monumental conclusion to a long-running powerhouse.

The landscape of anime is ever-shifting, and the absence of Solo Leveling suggests a potential recalibration of critical favor. The series, which became a phenomenon on Crunchyroll and secured the coveted Anime of the Year title in 2025, now finds itself relegated to secondary categories. It’s a stinging blow, particularly given the anticipation surrounding a potential third season – an anticipation that is, according to reports, dwindling.

Beyond the main prize: a scattered recognition

While the centerpiece category's exclusion is the most striking development, Solo Leveling isn't entirely without recognition. The series has secured nine nominations, including “Best Ongoing Series” (competing against the enduring One Piece), “Best Animation,” “Best Action Anime,” “Best Main Character,” “Best Anime Song,” “Best Soundtrack,” “Best Opening,” “Best Ending,” and “Best Voice Acting (Latin Spanish).