Anime and Manga International Awards to launch at Anime Expo LA
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 supported by the Japan Society, Myanimelist and Digital Cinema Collective. The aim is to present and honor excellence in the medium of anime with a compliment for makers, talent and studios. The ceremony takes place in the same week as Anime Expo, set on 2-5 July 2026 in Los Angeles.
The countdown for the AMI Awards starts at Anime NYC, which takes place in the Javits Center in New York on August 21 to August 24. The AMI Awards will collaborate with Anime Streamer Retrocrush, where fans will vote for the “most iconyc anime character” award on site by casting their ballot papers to Ami Ambassadors stationed throughout the congress hall. The winner will be announced during the Cosplay Masquerade event of the Convention on 24 August, where a prize was designed by Origami artist and designer Coco Sato will be revealed.
“The AMI Awards is the first, fully-based, fully fan-wooled celebration made for fans and by the fans-the visionary makers, 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 that these talents must be recognized, just as the great artists of film, theater, music and television are driven by the passion of this incredible community, will unite the Ami’s industrial icons and dedicated 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 start this celebration and to let the world know what’s coming”, expressed Karbassi, Ami -Maker and executive producer. “With partners such as she, Retrocrush and all the fangs that share our love for Anime and Manga, we are delighted to recognize the makers and fans of this unique art form.”
