Who deserved to win anime of the year?

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on the complexities of anime award shows, specifically Crunchyroll's Anime of the Year decision, where *Solo Leveling* won over shows like *Firin*. They explore the subjectivity of art and how awards can be controversial, touching on themes like popularity vs. quality. The speaker discusses the impact of *Solo Leveling* on the anime industry and how popularity often influences award decisions. While the speaker argues that *Firin* might have deserved the win, they acknowledge that anime's growing presence in the West makes these discussions even more interesting and relevant.

Takeaways

• 😀 Solo Leveling won Crunchyroll's Anime of the Year award, sparking controversy online.
• 😀 The clear favorite for Anime of the Year among the creator's audience was 'Firin,' not 'Solo Leveling.'
• 😀 Award shows, especially for art like anime, are controversial because they attempt to judge subjective art objectively.
• 😀 While objective analysis of art is helpful, the personal impact and individual experiences with a show are equally important.
• 😀 The lack of parameters in award shows leads to debate on what should be considered (impact, popularity, or quality).
• 😀 Solo Leveling’s success could be measured by its immediate, direct impact on the anime industry in 2025, but the show’s lasting influence is uncertain.
• 😀 Anime is becoming more popular and mainstream, with shows like Solo Leveling bringing new viewers into the anime community.
• 😀 The idea of 'starter anime'—shows that help new viewers get into anime—is key to understanding Solo Leveling's success.
• 😀 While Solo Leveling may have been the most impactful anime this year, other nominees like 'Firin' also made a strong case for being Anime of the Year.
• 😀 Popularity should be considered in award shows but shouldn't solely determine the outcome, as recency bias and voting issues can distort results.
• 😀 Award shows should ideally have a balance of panelist input and fan votes, but even well-established panels can become disconnected over time.

Q & A

Why does the creator of the script believe award shows are controversial?

The creator argues that award shows are controversial because they attempt to objectively evaluate something as subjective as art. This often leads to debates, as people have different interpretations of what makes a piece of media worthy of recognition.

What is the creator's stance on the importance of popularity in award shows?

The creator believes that popularity should be factored into award shows, but not be the sole determining factor. While popularity is a clear indicator of a show's impact, it shouldn't overshadow other criteria like quality in storytelling.

What makes Solo Leveling a strong contender for Anime of the Year, according to the creator?

Solo Leveling is considered impactful because it represents a popular and approachable anime that resonates with a large audience, particularly those new to anime. Its high impact on the anime industry and its ability to attract a broad audience make it a strong contender.

Why does the creator feel that Solo Leveling might not deserve Anime of the Year despite its popularity?

Despite its popularity, the creator feels that the quality of the show should weigh more heavily than popularity. While Solo Leveling is entertaining and accessible, its overall impact on the medium may not have the same lasting effect or artistic merit as other nominees.

What is the creator's opinion on the role of award shows in recognizing art?

The creator acknowledges that award shows exist to recognize and validate impactful art. However, they also express frustration with the limited explanations provided by these shows, which can lead to dissatisfaction among fans and critics alike.

How does the creator differentiate between the 'best' anime and the 'most popular' anime?

The creator distinguishes between the 'best' and the 'most popular' anime by emphasizing that the best should be measured by quality, storytelling, and lasting impact, whereas popularity focuses on immediate recognition and viewership numbers.

Why does the creator believe that the voting system for Crunchyroll's Anime of the Year might be flawed?

The creator points out that the audience voting system, which makes up 70% of the decision, could be skewed by recency bias and the potential confusion between different seasons of a show, such as Solo Leveling, leading to an unfair result.

What show does the creator think should have won Anime of the Year instead of Solo Leveling?

The creator believes that Firin should have won Anime of the Year, as it has a remarkable staying power and broader critical acclaim. Despite Solo Leveling's popularity, Firin was seen as more deserving in terms of its influence and quality.

How does the creator feel about the overall impact of Solo Leveling on the anime industry?

The creator recognizes Solo Leveling's significant impact on the anime industry, particularly in how it attracts mainstream attention and draws new viewers into the medium. Its popularity is seen as a game-changer for anime's mainstream acceptance.

What is the creator's final stance on award shows and the anime of the year debate?

The creator ultimately believes that while award shows can be a good excuse to discuss and celebrate great shows, they shouldn't be the sole determinant of a show's value. For the creator, what truly matters is whether a show resonates with an individual viewer, independent of awards or recognition.