Hollywood, CA – Critically acclaimed anime phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle and Netflix’s breakout animated musical KPop Demon Hunters have been recognized with top accolades at the Critics Choice Association’s (CCA) 4th Annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television. The awards, announced on October 1, 2025, highlight outstanding contributions by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists and productions in the entertainment industry.
The annual event, orchestrated by the Critics Choice Association, serves as a crucial platform to celebrate the diverse talent and impactful storytelling emerging from the AAPI community, both in front of and behind the camera.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Secures International Animation Award
The global sensation Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was honored with the prestigious International Animation Award. This latest installment in the wildly popular Japanese anime franchise has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also achieved a monumental feat, becoming the highest-grossing anime film of all time at the global box office.
The Demon Slayer series, known for its breathtaking animation, intricate storytelling, and compelling characters, continues to push the boundaries of anime and gain mainstream recognition across the globe. Its win at the AAPI Celebration underscores the significant cultural and commercial impact of Japanese animation on the international stage.
KPop Demon Hunters Earns Animation Award for Groundbreaking Success
Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s hit film, KPop Demon Hunters, received the Animation Award, with director and writer Maggie Kang set to be recognized for her vision. The animated musical has been hailed as a breakout success, reportedly amassing over 300 million views and dominating Spotify charts with its original soundtrack.
KPop Demon Hunters follows the adventures of a K-pop girl group named Huntr/x, who lead double lives as demon hunters, secretly protecting their fans from supernatural threats. The film has resonated with audiences for its vibrant animation, catchy songs, and unique blend of K-pop culture with action-fantasy elements. Its rapid ascent to popularity highlights the growing demand for diverse animated content that reflects global trends and cultural narratives.
The Phenomenon of KPop Demon Hunters
Released on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters quickly became a streaming sensation, topping Netflix’s charts and seeing its soundtrack peak at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The film’s success is attributed to its engaging premise, which merges the high-energy world of K-pop with ancient demon-slaying lineages.
The film’s characters, including the Huntr/x members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, voiced by talents like Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, have been praised for their relatable dilemmas despite their extraordinary circumstances. Director Maggie Kang drew inspiration from her Korean heritage and popular K-pop groups like ITZY, BLACKPINK, and TWICE for the Huntr/x members, while boy bands such as Tomorrow X Together and BTS influenced the rival Saja Boys.
Celebrating AAPI Excellence in Cinema & Television
The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television aims to honor the artists who continuously push boundaries, tell authentic stories, and create space for greater visibility of AAPI voices in film and television. Kylie Mar, Host, Writer, and Co-Programmer for the Celebration, emphasized the importance of such recognition, stating, “Each honoree reminds us how powerful representation can be when it’s rooted in truth and creativity.”
This year’s 4th annual event continues the tradition of showcasing exceptional talent and projects that contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of entertainment.
Other Esteemed Honorees
Beyond the animation categories, the 4th Annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television recognized a distinguished group of individuals for their contributions:
- Lucy Liu was among the prominent figures honored.
- Academy Award and Critics Choice Award-winning director, writer, and editor Chloé Zhao received the Vanguard Award for her outstanding work, including Focus Features’ Hamnet.
- HIKARI was presented with the Director Award for her work on Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family.
- Michelle K. Sugihara, Executive Director & CEO of CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), was given the Industry Leadership Award for her advocacy for equity and authentic representation.
- Thomas Pa’a Sibbett earned the Social Impact Award for his work on Apple TV+’s Chief of War, recognized for elevating Indigenous narratives.
- Ali Ahn received the Supporting Actress Award for Series for her performance in The Diplomat.
- Lukita Maxwell was honored with the Rising Star Award for her role in Apple TV+’s Shrinking.
These awards collectively underscore the Critics Choice Association’s commitment to acknowledging the diverse and impactful contributions of the AAPI community across all facets of cinema and television. The recognition of Demon Slayer and KPop Demon Hunters highlights the growing global influence of animated works rooted in Asian narratives and creative talent.
