Byline: AnimationXpress Team

Crunchyroll has revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the awards program honouring the craft and artistry of Japanese animation, including the creators, musicians and performances across streaming and theatrical.

Voting is open now through 27 January, 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Fans can begin to cast their vote on the Anime Awards website. The results will be announced at the 2024 Anime Awards live ceremony on Saturday, 2 March and through a global fan livestream.

Along with the live ceremony, Anime Awards will comprise a pre-show, which is back for a second year in Tokyo with an elevated format. During the pre-show, Crunchyroll hosts and global presenters will reveal fan-favourite awards. The current list of Anime Awards live ceremony and pre-show presenters include:

* Megan Thee Stallion -- Three-time Grammy-winning recording artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

* Iman Vellani -- Actress well known for her character Ms. Marvel in The Marvels.

* Lisa -- Japanese singer-songwriter who has performed hit anime theme songs.

* Roland -- Japanese nightclub host, entrepreneur and TV personality.

* Aquaria -- American fashion model, drag entertainer and international DJ who was crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a long-time anime enthusiast.

* Che Lingo -- British rapper and artist who regularly mixes genres within his music.

* Lena Lemon -- Content creator focused on anime, cosplay and gaming.

* Yaeji -- Artist, producer, vocalist and DJ, whose tracks have made her a global icon.

* Ylona Garcia -- Singer born in the Philippines, raised in Australia.

L to R: Megan Thee Stallion, Iman Vellani, Lisa

Sony Group Corporation chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida will return to deliver opening remarks at the live ceremony, which will be hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira.

"With more than 30 anime studios, five streaming platforms, 50 series and films, and over 50 voice actors, the nominees for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards represent the world-class creatives powering the global love of anime," said Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini.

"Watching anime is one of my favourite things...