Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Makes History With Golden Globe Nomination as Another Record Falls
Box office juggernaut Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has made history, becoming the first shonen title to score a 2026 Golden Globe nomination—marking a major milestone for director Haruo Sotozaki and Ufotable as the opening chapter of the trilogy storms the awards race.
Anime keeps kicking down doors. 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' just landed a Golden Globe nomination, and it is not just a big moment for the franchise — it is a first for anything out of the Shonen Jump machine.
So, what happened?
'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' — the first film in a planned trilogy, directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable — is nominated for Best Animated Motion Picture at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. The nod was announced on December 8, 2025, by Marlon Wayans. Yes, Marlon Wayans delivering an anime milestone. I did not have that on my bingo card.
This is the first time a movie based on a Shonen Jump title has ever been recognized by the Globes. That distinction matters — Jump is arguably the most famous manga brand on the planet, but its film adaptations have not cracked this particular awards gate until now.
Who it is up against
- Elio
- Kpop Demon Hunters
- Arco
- Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
- Zootopia 2 (the recently released sequel)
How we got here: box office and reviews
In the U.S., 'Infinity Castle' opened on September 12, 2025, with a massive $70 million weekend. It went on to make $134 million domestic and $634 million overseas, for a worldwide total of $768 million, according to Box Office Mojo. The reception matched the money: a 98% Tomatometer from critics and a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Has anime been here before?
Not from Shonen Jump, no. But Japanese animation has made noise at the Globes:
Back in 2018, Mamoru Hosoda's 'Mirai' scored a nomination, though it lost to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.' And in late 2023, Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' was nominated and ultimately won Best Animated Feature Film. The lane is not new — it is just the first time a Jump title is in it.
Why this one stands out
Beyond the numbers, the nomination cements what fans have been saying since the TV series broke out: Ufotable and Sotozaki have turned 'Demon Slayer' into a theatrical event brand. With 'Infinity Castle' only being part one of a trilogy, this is a statement win for the franchise and a serious benchmark for manga-to-film adaptations at major U.S. awards.