Dandadan Scores a Major Nomination at the Prestigious Annie Awards!
In some exciting news for anime fans, the TV anime Dandadan has been nominated for a Directing award in the Television/Media category at the 53rd Annie Awards, often called the “Academy Awards of Animation.” The nomination is for the series’ 24th episode, “Clash! Space Kaiju vs. Giant Robot!“, which aired as the finale of Season 2. To celebrate, comments from directors Yamashiro Fuuga and Abel Gongora were shared on the series’ official X (formerly Twitter) account.
What Are the Annie Awards?
The Annie Awards were established in 1972 and are presented by the International Animated Film Association, ASIFA-Hollywood. This isn’t just about big theatrical releases—the awards honor all forms of animation, including short films, streaming content, games, and the talented people who make them.
Dubbed the animation industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Annies are a huge deal. They’re closely watched by professionals and fans worldwide, often giving a good indication of what might shine at the Academy Awards later in the year.
All About the Wild Ride That Is Dandadan
For the uninitiated, Dandadan is a wildly popular occult battle and teen romance series. It’s based on the manga by Tatsuki Yukinobu, which is serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app and has sold over 12 million copies.
The story kicks off when Momo, a high school girl from a family of spiritual mediums, and her occult-obsessed classmate Okarun have a brush with the utterly incomprehensible and terrifying. This encounter leaves them with hidden powers and a cursed energy, forcing them to battle increasingly bizarre supernatural threats while also getting tangled up in what feels like fateful romance. It’s a perfect mix of heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and genuine character moments that has captured a massive audience.
The Team Behind the Anime
The anime adaptation is produced by the acclaimed studio Science SARU. The voice cast brings the iconic characters to life with fantastic energy, and the directing has been pivotal in translating the manga’s unique vibe to the screen.
Key Staff
| Role | Staff Member | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Animation Production | Science SARU | |
| Director (Season 1) | Yamashiro Fuuga | |
| Director (Season 2) | Yamashiro Fuuga & Abel Gongora |
Main Voice Cast
| Character | Voiced By | Character Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ayase Momo (Momo) | Wakayama Shion | A high school girl from a spiritual medium lineage. |
| Takakura Ken (Okarun) | Hanae Natsuki | Momo’s classmate and a hardcore occult enthusiast. |
A Track Record of Success and a Bright Future
Dandadan’s anime journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Season 1 (Oct-Dec 2024) snagged the #1 average viewer rating among all shows in its programming block since the block’s inception. It was a global hit, winning several international awards and even ranking #2 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 non-English series list.
The momentum only grew with Season 2 (Jul-Sep 2025), which was supported by an even larger fanbase. Its advance theatrical screenings charted at #8 in the United States. The excitement peaked when the Season 2 finale announced that Season 3 is officially in production and set to air in 2027!
Diving Deeper into the Annie Awards Nomination
This prestigious nomination specifically highlights Episode 24, “Clash! Space Kaiju vs. Giant Robot!“, which aired in September 2025. Both the official Dandadan X account and Science SARU’s X account celebrated the news, sharing enthusiastic comments from directors Yamashiro Fuuga and Abel Gongora.
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on the 53rd Annie Awards ceremony, scheduled for February 21, 2026 (local time). Will Dandadan clinch the award and secure its place in animation history? The outcome is eagerly awaited by fans and industry watchers alike.
Written by Koutarou Nakase
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