The 2026 Astra Awards has unveiled its list of nominees.
The Astra Awards, presented by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, has revealed the full list of its nominees for the 2026 iteration. The ceremony aims to recognise achievements in the entertainment industry, spanning categories like film, television, and digital media.
The Astra Awards began to include anime in its official list of categories in 2024, with Solo Leveling becoming the inaugural winner.
What titles are nominated for Best Anime Series?
The titles nominated for Best Anime Series are:
Dandelion (Netflix)
Synopsis:
The Japanese Angel Federation's Send-Off Department is tasked with tracking down restless earthbound spirits and gently guiding them to the afterlife. The angels find themselves struggling to meet their daily tasks, but Tetsuo Tanba and his leader, Misaki Kurogane, who make up the 21st Division's Dandelion Clan, choose to take things at their own pace: instead of rushing through cases, they take time with each spirit, listening to their regrets and helping them resolve what's holding them back. One day, they encounter the earthbound spirit of an elderly man who is running at full speed, trying desperately to escape.
Mao (Hulu)
Synopsis:
Nanoka passes through a portal into the Taisho era, where exorcist Mao reluctantly rescues her from the jaws of a grotesque yokai. When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers she has some new, incredible abilities. She returns to the past looking for answers, only to get caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders. As her questions about herself multiply, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki—and so is his sword. If anyone but Mao attempts to wield it, they are doomed. But when Mao’s life is in jeopardy, Nanoka picks up his blade and swings!
Rooster Fighter (Adult Swim)
Synopsis:
Humanity is on the verge of collapse after the demonic Kiju descend without warning, laying waste to cities and crushing all in their path. Resistance fails. Hope fades. Things look bad…until a lone rooster steps forward. With razor-sharp spurs and a battle cry that splits the sky, this unlikely hero carries the fate of the world on his wings. When defenses fall and hope fades, one bird will rise.
Sakamoto Days (Netflix)
Synopsis:
Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family.
Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Netflix)
Synopsis:
America, 1890. Johnny Joestar, a genius jockey now paralyzed from the waist down, chases after outlaw Gyro Zeppeli in a tough cross-continent horse race.
Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll)
Synopsis:
In a world where only witches can cast magic, they must avoid being seen by ordinary people while casting. While Coco does her chores, she daydreams of becoming a witch. When a young witch named Qifrey visits her village, Coco uncovers the “absolute secret,” becomes Qifrey’s apprentice, and begins her studies. This is the story of children who encounter despair, yet reach out toward hope.
Additionally, two English dub voice actors from an anime title are nominated in the Lead Voice-Over Performance category: Anjali Kunapaneni as Coco from Witch Hat Atelier, and Patrick Seitz as Keiji from Rooster Fighter.
When will the 2026 Astra Awards take place?
Unfortunately, an exact date for the 2026 Astra Awards is yet to be announced.