The inaugural Anime and Manga International Awards will be held next year as part of the Anime Expo event in Los Angeles.
The AMI awards are backed by the Japan Society, MyAnimeList and Digital Cinema Collective. The goal is to showcase and honor excellence in the medium of anime with kudos for creators, talent and studios. The ceremony will take place during the same week as Anime Expo, set for July 2-5, 2026 in Los Angeles.
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The countdown for the AMI Awards will begin at Anime NYC, taking place at the Javits Center in New York on Aug. 21 to Aug. 24. The AMI Awards will team up with anime streamer RetroCrush, where fans will vote for the “Most IcoNYC Anime Character” award on-site by casting their ballots to AMI ambassadors stationed throughout the convention hall. The winner will be announced during the convention’s Cosplay Masquerade event on Aug. 24, where an award designed by origami artist and designer Coco Sato will be unveiled.
“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,” says Stephanie Heaston, AMI creator and executive producer in a press release. “We believe these talents should be recognized just as the great artists of film, theater, music, and television are. Driven by the passion of this incredible community, the AMIs will unite industry icons and devoted fans in a shared celebration of artistry, imagination, and the stories that connect us all.”
“Anime NYC is such a great place for us to kick off this celebration and let the world know what is coming,” expressed Behnam Karbassi, AMI creator and executive producer. “With partners like them, RetroCrush and all of the fan communities that share our love of anime and manga, we’re excited to recognize the creators and fans of this unique artform.”
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