SAINT-PIERRE, the CBC original police procedural drama, has been renewed for a third season, with filming in Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon beginning July. The 12 x 60’ series is produced by Hawco Productions for CBC and CBC Gem, with global film & TV studio FIFTH SEASON handling global distribution. Furthering its global footprint, the series is available on Sky in New Zealand, Disney+ across Eastern Europe and Belgium, ABC in Australia, FreeTV in Israel, BBC Studios in the Netherlands and Poland, on U&Alibi in the United Kingdom, and is set to launch on France Télévisions later this year.

Following a breakout first and second season, SAINT-PIERRE has earned six Canadian Screen Award Nominations (2026) for season one, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer (Allan Hawco), and also secured a Top 5 nomination for the 2026 Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award.

French star Joséphine Jobert (Death in Paradise) and Canadian star Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Caught, Jack Ryan) lead the cast playing Arch and Fitz, Benz Antoine (Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’), Erika Prevost (The Boys, Dare Me) and Jean-Michel Le Gal (Paris Paris, Accused) rounding out the stellar team.

Show synopsis:
Exiled to work in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon — the French Territory nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean — Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donald Fitzpatrick (Fitz) is partnered with Deputy Chief Geneviève Archambault (Arch), a Parisian transplant there for her own intriguing reason. Although the islands seem like a quaint tourist destination, the idyllic façade conceals the worst kind of criminal activity.

Through solving the thrilling crimes and sharing family secrets, their partnership evolves to friendship — Arch and Fitz know they’ll be there for each other… always.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from CBC, our incredible partners at FIFTH SEASON, and the worldwide fans who have embraced the show from the very beginning,” say series creators Allan Hawco and Robina Lord-Stafford. “Returning to Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon for Season 3 is especially exciting, as these locations are such an important part of the show’s identity. We’re looking forward to building on the momentum of the first two seasons and bringing audiences even more of the mystery, unexpected twists, and character dynamics that make this world so special.”

Ava Knight, Director, Acquisitions at FIFTH SEASON, said: “Audiences around the world have embraced SAINT-PIERRE for its breathtaking setting, gripping mysteries and the irresistible dynamic between Arch and Fitz. Following the global success of the first two seasons, Season 3 raises the stakes in every sense with bold new investigations, evolving relationships and unexpected twists that expand the world of the series in compelling new ways. We’re thrilled to partner on a new season of SAINT-PIERRE that delivers even more intrigue, escapism and propulsive storytelling.”

SAINT-PIERRE is executive produced by Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan, Robina Lord-Stafford, John Vatcher and Allan Hawco. Lord-Stafford, and Hawco serve as Showrunners. The first two seasons of SAINT-PIERRE are available to stream on CBC Gem.

About Hawco Productions
Established by actor, writer, and producer Allan Hawco, Hawco Productions is a film and
television production company with offices in St. John’s, NL, and Toronto, ON. As a key
player in the Canadian entertainment landscape, the company is known for combining
high-stakes originality with a strategic, project-first approach to create scripted content
for international audiences and global distribution.

Hawco Productions is currently producing the hit police procedural SAINT-PIERRE for
CBC and CBC Gem. Debuting in 2025 as CBC’s #1 most-watched new series of the
year, the show has become a significant international success.

The company’s diverse portfolio also includes executive production on Canada’s
most-watched original comedy, SON OF A CRITCH (CBC/The CW/Paramount+). It also
produced the limited series CAUGHT (CBC). Allan Hawco’s foundational work as
creator, star, and executive producer of the iconic hit REPUBLIC OF DOYLE (CBC)
established the company’s reputation. The show ran for six seasons and was sold in
over 100 countries.

The principal executives at Hawco Productions are Allan Hawco (CEO/Executive
Producer), Janine Squires (COO/Executive Producer), Philip Riccio (Development
Executive), and Janelle Gilbert (Director of Communications). The company continues to
collaborate with elite talent and international partners, including longtime collaborators
Erin Sullivan (Sullivan Productions) and John Vatcher (Director Son of a Critch, Hudson
& Rex), to shape the landscape of Canadian television.

About FIFTH SEASON
FIFTH SEASON is an entertainment industry leader specializing in the development, production, financing, and distribution of premium films, television series, and documentaries. Known for its artist-first approach, the company has produced critically acclaimed films such as Book Club, The Lost Daughter, Nonnas, and Friendship, as well as award-winning series like Severance, His & Hers, Nine Perfect Strangers, Omnivore, and Tokyo Vice. FIFTH SEASON operates with a full-service worldwide distribution infrastructure and boasts a vast network of production hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to its successful slate of original productions, FIFTH SEASON’s global distribution arm handles a robust third-party library of hundreds of titles, including hit series such as Killing Eve, Normal People, The Morning Show, and The Night Manager.The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, New York, and London, with offices worldwide. Shareholders include CJ ENM, Toho, and Endeavor.

About CBC/Radio-CanadaCBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

Here’s an exciting exhibit coming to Toronto! Taglialatella Galleries presents Jean-Michel Basquiat /
Editions, a major exhibition celebrating twenty-five years of limited-edition prints released by
the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, opening May 28, 2026 at Taglialatella Galleries Toronto.
Free and open to the public, the exhibition offers Toronto audiences a rare opportunity to
experience one of the most influential artists of the modern era through a curated presentation
of iconic works spanning Basquiat’s career and legacy.

The exhibition brings together celebrated editioned works produced posthumously over the last
25 years by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, including the newest release, King Alphonso,
1982/2025, unveiled in collaboration with Pace Prints and Flatiron Editions.
Based on Basquiat’s celebrated 1982 composition, King Alphonso is a limited-edition
screenprint of 60 that reflects the artist’s recurring exploration of power, identity, race, and
mythology through his unmistakable visual language. Each print is stamped, signed, and dated
on the verso by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, sisters of the artist and administrators
of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“Basquiat’s work continues to resonate across generations because it speaks to culture, identity,
power, and creativity in a way that still feels urgent today,” said Alan Ganev, Partner of
Taglialatella Galleries. “This exhibition is about making that legacy accessible. Toronto
audiences will have the opportunity to experience museum-calibre Basquiat works for free,
including one of the newest releases from the Estate.”

Born in New York City, Basquiat emerged from the downtown art scene of the late 1970s and
quickly became one of the defining voices of Neo-Expressionism. Combining graffiti, text,
drawing, and abstract painting, his work challenged social structures and addressed racism,
inequality, celebrity culture, and historical narratives through a visual language that remains
instantly recognizable today.

Taglialatella Galleries has long been a leader in the secondary market for Basquiat’s work,
particularly prints, through its blue-chip program and accessible curatorial approach. While
Basquiat’s original paintings now command prices in the tens of millions and are largely held in
museum and private collections, the gallery sees editioned works as an important entry point for
collectors and the broader public alike.

Highlighted Works
King Alphonso, 1982/2025
Making its Toronto debut, King Alphonso is the newest limited-edition release from the Estate of
Jean-Michel Basquiat, produced in collaboration with Pace Prints and Flatiron Editions. Limited
to just 60 editions worldwide, the work revisits Basquiat’s celebrated 1982 imagery through
themes of power, race, identity, and mythology, all anchored by the artist’s iconic crown motif.
The release generated immediate international attention following its unveiling in New York.

Flexible, 1984/2016
One of Basquiat’s most recognizable and celebrated figures, Flexible has become emblematic
of the artist’s late-period practice. The original 1984 painting achieved more than USD $45
million at auction at Phillips New York, while the editioned print has become one of the most
sought-after Basquiat screenprints on the secondary market.

Hollywood Africans in front of the Chinese Theater with Footprints of Movie Stars,
1983/2015
Stretching more than seven feet wide, this monumental work references Basquiat’s famed
Hollywood Africans painting, widely regarded as one of the artist’s most important examinations
of race, celebrity culture, and the experience of Black artists navigating mainstream media and
entertainment. Today, the original painting resides in the permanent collection of the Whitney
Museum of American Art.

Charles the First, 1982/2005
Among Basquiat’s most iconic works, Charles the First pays tribute to jazz legend Charlie
Parker while exploring genius, fame, exploitation, and Black cultural influence, recurring themes
throughout Basquiat’s practice. The original painting from Basquiat’s legendary 1982 period sold
for over USD $93 million at auction in 2022, reinforcing the artist’s position as one of the most
valuable contemporary artists in history.

Cabeza, 1982/2005
One of Basquiat’s most visually recognizable images, Cabeza captures the raw immediacy and
expressive intensity that helped define Neo-Expressionism in the early 1980s. Featuring
Basquiat’s signature skeletal head motif, the work has become emblematic of the artist’s
enduring visual language and influence across contemporary art, fashion, music, and design.

Phooey, 1982/2021
At more than seven feet wide, Phooey stands among the exhibition’s most ambitious and
visually commanding works. Rich with Basquiat’s layered symbolism, handwritten text, and
frenetic mark-making, the monumental print reflects the scale and energy of the artist’s most
celebrated paintings.

Exhibition Details
Jean-Michel Basquiat / Editions
Exhibition Dates: May 28 – June 11
Free Public Reception: May 28, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Taglialatella Galleries Toronto, 99 Yorkville Avenue

World Cup frenzy is hitting the City of Toronto, with many international visitors looking for the best places to dine at while they’re in town. Here are some ideas in and around the City that showcase some of the best Toronto has to offer!

Takja BBQ House
Takja BBQ House, where chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang are continuing to raise the bar for Korean dining in Canada with an updated Hansang experience for spring/summer. The new menu features elevated seafood offerings, premium cuts grilled tableside, and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot — a traditional Korean cast iron pot currently used at Takja exclusively in Canada. Reservations here.

Oroshi Fish Co.
Oroshi Fish Co. offers thoughtfully curated sushi platters for your World Cup viewing parties with family and friends! These stunning sushi sets come with chopsticks, seasoned soy, wasabi and gari which allows the party host to focus on spending time with friends and the game instead of worrying about food prep. Order here.

George Restaurant
GEORGE Restaurant is a MICHELIN-recommended fine dining destination located in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Toronto’s Old Town. Since 2003, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto has led the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and deeply personalized tasting experiences. GEORGE is owned by the Verity Group of Companies, founded by Mary S. Aitken, C.M. Reserve here.

Chaiiwala of London
For those running to catch the game or want to order takeout for a World Cup watch party, Chaiiwala of London offers quick, easy and tasty traditional chai and South Asian street foods with a nod to contemporary food trends. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favorites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. Find your nearest location here.

Riley’s Toronto
Toronto’s hottest new opening is the Michelin-recognized Riley’s. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse and seafood concept that reimagines modern dining through craftsmanship, comfort, and community. It combines the refined service and theatrical flair that Glowbal Hospitality is known for with a menu that celebrates premium Canadian beef, sustainable seafood, and a curated raw bar experience. Reservations here.

Black + Blue Toronto
Located in the financial district, Black + Blue is Canada’s premier steak dining experience. They offer the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic twist. They take great pride in being Kobe Beef certified, in addition to offering our guests a selection of the world’s rarest cuts. Black + Blue has private dining room options to host your watch parties with friends and colleagues. Reserve here.

Isaan Der
Isaan Der is Toronto’s only Northeastern Thai restaurant, led by Chef Ko. During the World Cup, they are offering a World Cup Grilled Platter and Beer Tower at only $109!

The World Cup Special includes: Grilled short ribs, Grilled pork ribs, Moo ping, Isaan sausage, Wings, Som tum, Shrimp chips, Sticky rice Beer Tower!! The combo platter is perfect for sharing with 5–6 people as you cheer for your favourite team! More here.

Hello Nori
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, they are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. The team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan while delivering exceptional hospitality.

The striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to their brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates the guests’ imaginations. Focusing on sustainability, they proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize their environmental impact. More here.

Simpl Things
SIMPL THINGS is a cozy, all-day cocktail, wine, and snack bar in Toronto inspired by vintage Miami design. Known for its playful seasonal menus, inventive drinks, and community-driven atmosphere, SIMPL THINGS celebrates connection through thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and good vibes—from brunch to last call. Reserve now here.

(Photo credit: BMO Field)

On June 4, 2026, Chef Miheer Shete at Curryish Tavern is hosting a one-night-only mango tasting experience celebrating the versatility of one of the world’s most beloved fruits.

Created in collaboration with food personality Suresh Doss, the six-course menu explores mangoes in every form — raw and ripe, sweet and savoury — featuring varieties including Alphonso, Kesari, Honey and Colombian mangoes. Guests will experience dishes that use every part of the fruit, from raw mango skin in an “Aam Ka Panna” welcome drink and BC sablefish ceviche, to mango chutneys paired with Quebec foie gras, curries, desserts, and fresh ripe mango tastings.

The dinner is designed as both a culinary exploration and a cultural conversation around mango season, nostalgia, and regional flavours. Guests may also have the opportunity to purchase select mango varieties at the end of the evening.

Event Details:
June 4, 2025
Curryish Tavern
$145 per guest + tax & gratuity
Includes welcome drink + six-course tasting menu

Book a table here.

Amazon MGM Studios Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.

TORONTO – Screening Details:

Date: Monday, June 1st

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

VANCOUVER – Screening Details:

Date: Monday, June 1st

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver

CALGARY – Screening Details:

Date: Monday, June 1st

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

Synopsis: In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, IG or X. Comment your City and tag 1 friend you’re taking! Multiple entries allowed. You must be following in the event we need to reach you.

Rules and regulations here.

Amazon MGM Studios Canada release MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE June 5, 2026.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon MGM Studios Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win Cineplex run-of-engagement passes to see SCARY MOVIE.

Synopsis: Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. Marlon Wayans (“Shorty”), Shawn Wayans (“Ray”), Anna Faris (“Cindy”), and Regina Hall (“Brenda”) reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favorites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final. Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, X, or IG. Tag a friend in the comments you’re taking. Multiple entries allowed! You must be following in the event we need to reach you.

Rules and regulations here.

SCARY MOVIE IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON JUNE 5, 2026

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Skywild Pictures, the Toronto-based scripted film and television production company, today announced it has optioned three novels as part of its growing development slate. The titles include the award-winning best-seller The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan, the highly anticipated thriller Our Little Secret by Edward Kay and Mikhael Klassen-Kay (set for publication in May 2026), and The Affinities by Hugo Award–winning author Robert Charles Wilson. All three properties are being developed for television adaptation.

“Since launching Skywild just over a year ago, we’ve been focused on building a slate that reflects who we are as a company — ambitious, collaborative, and grounded in strong storytelling,” said Angela Jennings, President. “These projects are a natural extension of that vision and speak to the kind of material we plan to bring to the screen.”

These high-profile acquisitions reflect Skywild’s continued investment in premium, IP-driven storytelling and mark a meaningful expansion of the company’s creative pipeline. The titles span a range of genres and tones, underscoring a deliberate strategy to build a slate with both domestic strength and international appeal.

“The Treasure Hunters Club stood out immediately for the originality of its premise and rich mystery engine,” said Natalie Urquhart, Director of Scripted. “It’s a smart, character-driven story with real momentum and comes with the built-in fan base of best-selling author Tom Ryan. This is a story that feels inherently episodic, and we see a clear path to bringing that to screen with the right creative team.”

The novels join a broader slate of more than a dozen film and television projects currently in development at Skywild, including both original concepts and additional underlying IP. Together, they position the company as a focused and growing player in the premium scripted space:

THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB (Coastal Mystery Drama Series, Novel by Tom Ryan) – For nearly a century, people have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, but locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open. But not before the bodies start to pile up.

OUR LITTLE SECRET (Crime Drama Series, Novel by father-son duo Edward Kay & Mikhael Klassen-Kay) — Targeted by their sexually predatory English teacher, who threatens their promising futures, high school seniors Jordan, Nick, and Chloe hatch a desperate plan for revenge and retribution: plot a murder so perfect that maybe, just maybe, they can get away with it.

THE AFFINITIES (Grounded Sci-Fi Series, Novel by Robert Charles Wilson) – Set in the very near future, advancements in brain science have led the Interalia Corporation to provide a data mining service allowing you to join 22 unique social groups based on cognitive brain mapping to foster hyper- cooperation. It’s the next level of social media and social engagement. But the Affinities soon discover that this is actually the next step in human evolution and that only one Affinity group will lead the way for humanity’s next chapter.

Tom Ryan is represented by Echo Lake Entertainment, Samantha Haywood and Amy Tompkins at Transatlantic Literary Agency, and Joshua S. Radis at Nelson Davis LLP. Edward Kay & Mikhael Klassen-Kay are represented by Glenn Cockburn at Meridian Artists for Film/TV and Amy Tompkins at Transatlantic Agency for books. Robert Charles Wilson is represented by Steve Fisher, Independent Artists Group and The McCarthy Agency .

About Skywild Pictures
Skywild Pictures is a Toronto-based scripted film and television production company founded by Angela Jennings and Travis Farncombe. In its first year, the company has assembled a curated development slate focused on high-calibre storytelling, premium IP, and globally resonant projects. Skywild operates at the intersection of creative ambition and market opportunity.

ALTITUDE GOLF is elevating golf simulation with state of the art design, ambience and sleek lines, making it a must-try for you and your group. This is the perfect idea if you’re looking for somewhere to host a group bonding activity or a celebration!

They feature:

• Premium Golfzon simulator technology
• Private, club-inspired atmosphere
• Elevated food & beverage program
• Community-driven membership model (key emphasis)
• A social and lifestyle-focused entertainment experience

Some images from the inside:

More info on their current rates as of Spring 2026:

Address: 5051 Hwy 7 East, Units 10 and 11, Unionville, ON L3R 1N3

More here for bookings.

Selling-out five nights at Rogers Stadium, global megastar Bruno Mars’ THE ROMANTIC TOUR finally kicked-off last night in Toronto after inclement weather delayed its initial debut this past Saturday. Doing the right thing and putting safety first, Mars rescheduled his original Saturday show to the following Sunday.

The show was two hours of pure electric, as the Singer-Songwriter delivered nothing but hits from his four-album catalog, plus a section devoted to his Anderson .Paak collab under the name Silk Sonic. The crowd was was spared of yet another night of rain and on their feet for the almost two-hour-long show, which was .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee and Leon Thomas helped open.

Mars began the night showcasing newer material including latest single “Risk it All” and “Cha Cha Cha” from his latest effort, THE ROMANTIC, before delving into his catalog a bit further, including “24k Magic”, “Treasure”, before finally debuting his smash hit “I Just Might” in Toronto for the first time ever. His infectious and relentless energy carried the entire show, and vocally he sounded as good as he ever has. After slowing things down a notch with his Silk Sonic-era set with .Paak, Mars finished with a huge bang, saving all his biggest hits for the final act. “Marry You” brought the crowd to a frenzy in an already mood-lifting setlist. Then came a solo version of Lady Gaga duet “Die with a Smile” was presented and he had no issues getting the audience to finish the song. “Just the Way You Are”, his first ever single, “Uptown Funk” closed the show on a high note, before his encore, “Dance With Me”, from his latest disc.

Mars is back at Rogers Stadium Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday to cap off the Toronto leg of his tour.

An absolutely amazing show, no notes. 10 out of 10!

Some highlights:

Crunchyroll, the brand serving anime fandom worldwide, revealed the winners of the tenth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards during a star-studded event honoring the creators, musicians, and performers powering the global love of anime. The full list of honorees that can be found on the Anime Awards Official Website and below.

The landmark tenth Crunchyroll Anime Awards was again hosted by renowned voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira, who returned for their fourth year to celebrate a decade of excellence in Japanese animation and anime’s biggest night.

On behalf of fans worldwide, Anime of the Year was awarded by The Weeknd. The global icon and long-time anime fans presented the night’s highest honor to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON.

The winners were revealed by a global slate of celebrity anime fan presenters including admired actor and generational voice Asuka Saito; K-pop artist BamBam, globally celebrated cosplayer Enako; award-winning Japanese actor Kasumi Arimura; electric comedic duo Mitorizu; acclaimed Japanese actor Nanase Nishino; leading Brazilian esports and gaming host Nyvi Estephan; prominent pan-India star Rashmika Mandanna; founding architect of Wu-Tang Clan RZA; K-pop singer and dancer TEN; globally acclaimed actor Winston Duke; and GRAMMY-nominated Recording Artist Young Miko

The Anime Awards pre-show, which was broadcast live from the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, was co-hosted by Crunchyroll hosts Lauren Moore and Tim Lyu alongside prolific YouTube creator Gigguk. The show featured awards presented by acclaimed singer DANNA; contemporary musician Ethan Bortnick; Australian singer-songwriter hannah bahng; and creative cosplayer Snitchery.

The night began with an elegant visual journey honouring nearly a decade of Anime of the Year winners underlined by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—arranged by Kazunori Miyake and conducted by Hirofumi Kurita. Upon reaching the 2017 winner, DEAN FUJIOKA punctuated the moment with a performance of “History Maker,” from Yuri!!! on ICE—the very first Crunchyroll Anime Awards’ Anime of the Year recipient.

The night also included electrifying music performances and tributes to anime’s enduring impact on popular culture. Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi performed a 30th anniversary tribute to 1995’s seminal anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, featuring the renowned theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” PORNOGRAFFITTI performed in honour of My Hero Academia’s 10th anniversary and the show’s conclusion. Legendary rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed their beloved hit “Haruka Kanata”—the second opening theme for the seminal shounen series NARUTO.

During the ceremony, visionary director Tatsuya Nagamine was honoured with the Global Impact Award—a recognition of his groundbreaking works that have left an indelible mark on culture, history, and the hearts of audiences around the world. Tatsuya Nagamine’s directorial contributions had an unforgettable, long-lasting impact on beloved and globally influential series. From Ojamajo Doremi and PreCure to Dragon Ball Super and ONE PIECE, Nagamine-san played a role in how anime reaches global audiences, exemplifying the medium’s ability to transcend geographic borders and generations.

The tenth annual Anime Awards featured a tribute to Nagamine-san’s storied career that preceded the presentation of the Global Impact Award by hosts Jon Kabira and Sally Amaki. Masayuki Sato—an animator who worked closely with Director Nagamine on numerous projects, including Happiness Charge PreCure! and ONE PIECE, and with whom he shared a deep personal friendship—accepted the Award on Nagamine-san’s behalf.

This year, a record 73 million votes were cast by fans worldwide to celebrate their favourite series, films, and actors. In alphabetical order, the top-most engaged countries this year were Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United States.

The tenth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards video-on-demand version, complete with exclusive content, will be available to stream shortly on Crunchyroll and Crunchyroll’s YouTube Channel, along with Sony Group Corp Global and Japan YouTube Channels.

2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards Winners

Anime of the Year – My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

Film of the Year – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Original Anime – Lazarus

Best Continuing Series – ONE PIECE

Best New Series – Gachiakuta

Best Opening Sequence – On The Way – AiNA THE END – DAN DA DAN Season 2

Best Ending Sequence – I — BUMP OF CHICKEN — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

Best Action – Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-

Best Comedy – DAN DA DAN Season 2

Best Drama – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Isekai Anime – Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3

Best Romance – The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity

Best Slice of Life – SPY x FAMILY Season 3

Best Animation – Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-

Best Background Art – Gachiakuta

Best Character Design – Gachiakuta

Best Director – Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Main Character – Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Supporting Character – Katsuki Bakugo — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

“Must Protect At All Cost” Character – Anya Forger — SPY x FAMILY Season 3

Best Anime Song – IRIS OUT — Kenshi Yonezu — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Best Score – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle — Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina

Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) – Aoi Yuki — Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Voice Artist Performance (English) – Lucien Dodge — Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Arabic) – Tariq Obaid — Taro Sakamoto — SAKAMOTO DAYS

Best Voice Artist Performance (Brazilian Portuguese) – Charles Emmanuel — Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Castilian Spanish ) – Carles Teruel — Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (French)- Bastien Bourlé — Izuku Midoriya — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON

Best Voice Artist Performance (German) – Gerrit Schmidt—Foß — Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi) – Abhishek Sharma — Jinshi — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian) – Mosè Singh — Denji — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Best Voice Artist Performance (Latin Spanish) – Jose Antonio Toledano — Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is the leading yearly awards program honouring the creators, musicians, and performers powering the global love of anime. The tenth annual Anime Awards took place at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Sony Music Solutions Inc., part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Dempsey Productions will support Crunchyroll in the execution of the event.

More information can be found on the Crunchyroll Anime Awards Official Website and across X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Channel.

About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops anywhere.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.