Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 wins the International Animation Award at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2025

What a triumphant moment for anime cinema as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 has officially taken home the International Animation Award at the Critics’ Choice Association’s 2025 AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) Cinema & Television Awards.

This recognition marks the film’s first major accolade, and for many fans, it feels like destiny fulfilled. After all, this wasn’t just another anime movie; it was one of the most hyped cinematic events of 2025, carrying the weight of an entire franchise’s grand finale.

The AAPI Critics’ Choice event has increasingly recognized the cultural and creative excellence of Asian-led media, but Infinity Castle’s victory feels monumental. It’s not only a win for Ufotable and Koyoharu Gotouge’s masterpiece but also a signal that anime has transcended niche fandom to become a global cinematic force.

Ever since its release in Japan, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 has dominated the global conversation. The IMAX screenings amplified its technical brilliance from the thunderous, perfectly mixed sound design during Zenitsu’s thunder breathing sequences to the cinematic camera work that made every fight feel monumental.

Fans described the experience as “anime’s version of The Matrix,” with the same kind of revolutionary visual impact. So when Infinity Castle Part 1 bagged its first major award, it wasn’t shocking; it was well-earned validation.

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Box office domination: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 is breaking every record in sight

In just a few months, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 became the highest-grossing anime film of all time, surpassing Mugen Train and even Spirited Away in Japan. Its worldwide box office currently stands at an astonishing $616 million, with projections suggesting it could surpass $626.5 million, a record previously held by F1.

The movie also achieved a series of historic milestones:

• Biggest international opening weekend for a foreign-language film in U.S. box office history, raking in $70 million, dethroning Jet Li’s Hero (2004).
• Largest global anime opening, with $132.1 million earned across markets in a single weekend.
• Highest opening day in Japanese cinema history, signaling unparalleled fan anticipation.
• Overtook Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away to become Japan’s second-highest-grossing domestic film, cementing its place in history.

Each of these achievements demonstrates not just financial success but also the evolution of anime as a major player in global entertainment.

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Critical praise and fan reactions

Despite some mixed opinions on pacing and flashbacks, especially regarding Akaza’s lengthy backstory, critics largely praised the film for its cinematography, animation quality, and emotional storytelling. Some of the fan reactions to this news include:

“Demon slayer is competing with Hollywood movies and crushing it in their own domain. The anime industry is growing very fast 🔥,” added one fan.

“We’re aiming for the Oscars next,” added another fan.

“Congratulations. People need to stop downplaying this anime success.” stated by another fan.

The “International Animation Award” might be the first of many honors for Infinity Castle Part 1, with major awards season buzz surrounding its chances at upcoming global ceremonies. And with Parts 2 and 3 of the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle saga on the horizon, excitement is already building.

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Final thoughts

If the first installment is any indication, Demon Slayer’s cinematic legacy is just beginning. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1, winning the International Animation Award at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2025, is more than a trophy; it’s a moment of recognition for anime as a whole.

What started as a dark fantasy manga by Koyoharu Gotouge has evolved into a global cultural touchstone, bridging language and geography through artistry, sound, and heart, and fans are here for this.