On June 10, 2025, the 5th annual Astra TV Awards celebrated the best in television, and among the winners was the beloved anime series, Dragon Ball Daima. The series took home the coveted “Best Anime Series” award, marking a significant achievement for the Dragon Ball franchise and sparking conversations within the anime community.
Daima’s Victory at the Astra Awards
The Astra TV Awards, presented by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, have become a prominent event recognizing excellence in both traditional and streaming television. This year’s ceremony, held at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, saw Dragon Ball Daima triumph over a competitive field of nominees. These included Dandadan, Fire Force Season 3, Lazarus, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, and Solo Leveling Season 2.
This victory is particularly noteworthy considering the strong competition. Solo Leveling had been heavily favored, especially after its impressive run at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, where it controversially won nine out of thirteen nominated categories, including “Anime of the Year”.
A Momentous Win
Dragon Ball Daima‘s win signifies the series’ impact and appeal. The show, which premiered in October 2024 and concluded in February 2025, quickly captured the attention of fans with its unique storyline and stunning visuals. The series notably “broke the internet” with the reveal of Super Saiyan 4 Goku during its initial run, demonstrating its ability to generate excitement and engagement.
Moreover, Dragon Ball Daima achieved another milestone by becoming the first anime nominee for the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 25 years, since Pokémon in 2000. This widespread recognition highlights the series’ ability to transcend traditional anime audiences and connect with a broader demographic.
Other Recognitions at the Astra Awards
While Dragon Ball Daima claimed the title of Best Anime Series, Solo Leveling was not entirely overlooked. Aleks Le, the English voice actor for Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling, won the award for Best Lead Voice-Over Performance. He edged out Stephanie Nadolny, who made a highly anticipated return as the voice of young Goku in Dragon Ball Daima. This win acknowledges the exceptional talent within the voice acting community and celebrates the contributions of voice actors to the success of anime series.
The Significance of the Astra Awards
The Astra Awards have gained prominence for recognizing quality content across various genres and platforms. Awarding Dragon Ball Daima as the Best Anime Series highlights the growing mainstream acceptance and appreciation of anime. It also underscores the importance of the anime industry as a significant force in global entertainment.
Dragon Ball Daima is only the second anime to be recognized by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, with Solo Leveling winning the same award in 2024 when the category was first introduced.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
The announcement of Dragon Ball Daima‘s win has spurred diverse reactions among anime enthusiasts. While many fans of the Dragon Ball franchise celebrated the victory, others expressed surprise, especially given the popularity and critical acclaim of series like Solo Leveling, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and The Apothecary Diaries.
Some critics and fans have voiced concerns that award shows may prioritize mainstream shonen anime over series with more complex plots and character development. This debate reflects the diverse tastes within the anime community and the ongoing discussion about what constitutes “quality” in anime.
About Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima is an original anime series created as part of the Dragon Ball franchise. The series sees Goku and his friends transformed into smaller, childlike versions of themselves as they embark on a new adventure in an unknown world. This transformation presents unique challenges and requires them to adapt their fighting styles and strategies.
The series is known for its blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments, staying true to the spirit of the Dragon Ball franchise while introducing fresh elements. Dragon Ball Daima has been praised for its animation quality, engaging storyline, and the return of beloved characters, making it a hit with both long-time fans and new viewers.
Looking Ahead
As Dragon Ball Daima basks in the glory of its Astra TV Award win, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to evolve and expand. With new projects and series in development, fans can anticipate more exciting adventures and stories from their favorite characters. The success of Dragon Ball Daima underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
