New Anime & Manga International Awards Set to Debut in July 2026

Digital Cinema Collective has announced the inaugural Anime & Manga International Awards (AMI Awards), which will take place in Los Angeles from July 2 to 6, coinciding with Anime Expo. Marking a new chapter in celebrating anime and manga, the AMI Awards will commence with a countdown event at this year’s Anime NYC. During the convention, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a special fan-voted award titled "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time," in collaboration with streaming service RetroCrush. Voting will be available at designated stations where AMI ambassadors will assist fans.

The recognition will culminate in an award presentation by Ito En at the convention's Cosplay Masquerade, emphasizing the collective creativity within the community. AMI Executive Producer Stephanie Heaston expressed her excitement, stating, "The AMI Awards is the first U.S.-based, fully fan-voted celebration created for the fans and by the fans—honoring the visionary creators, artists, cosplayers, and dreamers who bring anime and manga to life." This initiative aims to elevate creators to the status of artists in other major entertainment sectors.

The team behind the AMI Awards includes experienced producers who have worked on prominent events like the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. More details about the upcoming awards ceremony and its related events will be revealed in the future. This year’s Anime NYC marks its expansion to a four-day event at the Javits Center, enhancing the experience for attendees.

Source: Anime & Manga International Awards Launch Next July With Countdown Event at Anime NYC on Saturday