Crunchyroll Pushes for Oscar Recognition for ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’

Crunchyroll executives are advocating for Oscar voters to recognize ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ for the upcoming Academy Awards. The film has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film in history with $682 million in revenue worldwide, surpassing the previous record held by ‘Spirited Away’ which grossed $382 million after its release in 2001.

This push for Oscar recognition mirrors a broader trend of increasing visibility for anime in North American cinema. Historically, ‘Spirited Away’ secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, marking a significant moment for the genre. Similar to this, ‘Demon Slayer’ aims to bridge the gap between international animated films and elite awards.

According to industry sources, ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ has received acclaim for its stunning animation and score, composed by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina. This film follows the franchise's previous successes, including the ‘Mugen Train’ arc, which also broke records, earning $503 million globally in 2020.

The growing influence of anime is evident in the successes of other titles, such as ‘Your Name’ and ‘Attack on Titan.’ Both have garnered widespread acclaim but did not receive nominations at the Oscars, which indicates a continuing challenge for animated films outside the typical Western canon.

Crunchyroll's efforts for ‘Infinity Castle’ come alongside their plans for additional content. The company recently announced they will release a new season of ‘Demon Slayer’ in July 2024, capitalizing on the film's current momentum.

In making a case for Oscar inclusion, Crunchyroll executives point to the film's cultural significance and the artistic merit in its production. This advocacy highlights a shifting perspective in Hollywood, where inclusion has started to extend beyond traditional boundaries.

Historically, the Oscars have favored Western narratives, yet with animated films like ‘Encanto’ and ‘Soul’ dominating the last few awards seasons, it is clear that tastes are evolving. Exactly three years after ‘Demon Slayer: Mugen Train’ missed its opportunity for contention, the reception of ‘Infinity Castle’ could indicate a much-needed shift.

The Oscar nominations will be announced in February 2024, and if ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ receives a nomination, it would significantly raise the profile of anime in Western markets. This film’s success could set a precedent for future animated works competing for similar accolades.

As the awards season approaches, all eyes will be on how well ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ performs in the nomination process, potentially reshaping the landscape for both anime and the broader category of animated films.