Los Angeles, CA – November 28, 2025 – The highly anticipated anime film, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle,” has officially secured a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the prestigious 2025 Astra Film Awards. The announcement, made by the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) this week, positions the record-breaking movie against a strong slate of contenders in the animation category. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.
The nomination marks a significant moment for the “Demon Slayer” franchise, further solidifying its global appeal and critical recognition within the film industry. The event will be live-streamed for audiences worldwide on KNEKT.tv and YouTube.
“Infinity Castle” Enters the Awards Season Spotlight
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” is the first installment of a cinematic trilogy that adapts the beloved Infinity Castle arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga series. The film premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025, followed by its North American release on September 12, 2025, where it opened to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The movie’s impressive box office performance and positive reception from both fans and critics are cited as key factors in its Astra Film Award nomination.
The film, directed by Haruo Sotozaki and animated by ufotable, has been praised for its stunning CGI effects, detailed animation, and compelling visual storytelling. Akira Matsushima served as the Chief Animation Director and Character Designer, with music composed by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina.
A Strong Category of Animated Features
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” faces stiff competition in the Best Animated Feature category. Other nominated films include:
- “Arco” (Neon)
- “In Your Dreams” (Netflix)
- “KPop Demon Hunters” (Netflix)
- “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” (GKids)
- “Zootopia 2” (Walt Disney Pictures)
This diverse group of nominees highlights the strength and variety of animated filmmaking in 2025, setting the stage for a compelling race for the award.
The Growing Influence of Anime in Major Awards
The nomination of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” for an Astra Film Award underscores the increasing recognition of anime in mainstream Western awards ceremonies. This follows the success of other anime productions, such as “Dragon Ball DAIMA,” which won Best Anime Series at the 2025 Astra TV Awards earlier this year. Such nominations provide significant visibility for anime films as voting entities continue to evaluate and celebrate animated works from diverse global origins.
The winners of the 2025 Astra Film Awards will be determined by members of the Hollywood Creative Alliance, which includes film critics, entertainment journalists, filmmakers, and other industry professionals. The ceremony on January 9, 2026, will be a key event in the broader awards season, potentially offering insights into future nominations, including the Academy Awards.
