The Hollywood Creative Alliance has announced the nominations for the 2025 Astra TV Awards, and anime is making a significant splash! Several fan-favorite series are in contention for the coveted Best Anime Series award, marking a continued rise in the mainstream recognition of anime. The ceremony will be held on June 10th at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles.
Best Anime Series Nominees
Here’s a look at the nominees vying for the title of Best Anime Series:
- DAN DA DAN (Crunchyroll): This series blends science fiction, horror, and comedy into a unique and wildly entertaining package. Known for its originality, DAN DA DAN follows two teenagers battling ghosts and aliens, earning praise as “one of the best anime of 2024”.
- Dragon Ball DAIMA (Crunchyroll/Netflix): The newest installment in the legendary Dragon Ball franchise, DAIMA takes Goku and his friends on a magical adventure in the Demon Realm, transforming them into children. This series is a brand-new saga celebrating Akira Toriyama’s 40th anniversary. Critics and fans have lauded it as a “breath of fresh air,” with its top-notch animation and nostalgic feel capturing “the heart of what made Dragon Ball so great”.
- Fire Force Season 3 (Crunchyroll/Adult Swim): The highly anticipated conclusion to the Fire Force series promises intense action and a resolution to the fiery conflicts that have captivated viewers.
- Lazarus (Adult Swim): Details on this series are currently limited, adding an air of mystery to its nomination.
- Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow (Crunchyroll): Following the immense success of its first season, Solo Leveling Season 2 continues the story of Sung Jinwoo’s journey to become the world’s strongest hunter. The season premiere shattered Crunchyroll records, becoming “the most liked premiere episode in the history of the streaming service” and amassing over 400,000 audience reviews.
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2: This historical anime series follows a young apothecary in the imperial court as she unravels mysteries and navigates palace intrigue.
Last year, the Astra TV Awards introduced the Best Anime Series category, with Solo Leveling taking home the inaugural award.
Voice Actor Nominations
In addition to the Best Anime Series category, the Astra TV Awards also recognize outstanding voice-over performances. This year, several voice actors from nominated anime series have received well-deserved nods:
Best Lead Voice-Over Performance
- Aleks Le (as Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling): Le’s performance as the protagonist of Solo Leveling has been widely praised for capturing the character’s growth and determination.
- Stephanie Nadolny (as Goku (Mini) in Dragon Ball DAIMA): Nadolny, a veteran voice actress for the Dragon Ball franchise, is recognized for her portrayal of a younger Goku in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Best Supporting Voice-Over Performance
- Justin Briner (as Yoo Jinho in Solo Leveling Season 2): Briner’s performance as Sung Jinwoo’s loyal friend and supporter has earned him a nomination in the Best Supporting Voice-Over Performance category.
Other Notable Nominations
Besides the anime-specific categories, the Astra TV Awards also feature other animated series. The Love, Death & Robots animated anthology series is nominated for Best Animated Series alongside Batman: Caped Crusader, Harley Quinn, Invincible, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and The Simpsons.
About the Astra TV Awards
The Astra TV Awards are presented by the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA), formerly known as the Hollywood Critics Association. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in television and streaming content. The nominations are determined by a committee of 35 members working within the entertainment industry, including critics, entertainment journalists, filmmakers, influencers, and other industry professionals.
A Growing Recognition of Anime
The increased presence of anime at the Astra TV Awards reflects the growing popularity and critical acclaim of the medium. With diverse and high-quality series like Dragon Ball DAIMA, DAN DA DAN, and Solo Leveling Season 2 earning nominations, it’s clear that anime is becoming an increasingly important force in the entertainment landscape. The inclusion of a dedicated anime category and recognition of voice acting talent highlights the industry’s commitment to celebrating the artistry and creativity of anime.
The 2025 Astra TV Awards promise to be an exciting event for anime fans, with several deserving series and voice actors in contention for top honors. As anime continues to gain recognition on the global stage, awards like these play a crucial role in showcasing the talent and innovation within the industry.
