Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie set to match Miyazaki's records with Oscar talk

The anime community is speculating that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle may change Hollywood's opinion of Japanese animation for good. Unverified rumors suggest that the movie is a serious contender for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, suggesting that awards industry insiders have taken notice of the picture following its extraordinary success in Japan.

The entertainment industry speculates that anime might be ready to challenge Western animation's hegemony at the Academy Awards, possibly following in Hayao Miyazaki's footsteps, despite the fact that no official announcement has been made. Even though these are merely early whispers, they raise the possibility that anime's position in popular American movies may change.

Disclaimer: This article is speculative.

Demon Slayer gains early Oscar attention amid speculation

Infinity Castle is already being considered by Oscar experts like Gold Derby for Best Animated Feature. The film's remarkable performance in Japan, where it supposedly made enormous box office profits after its July premiere, is the source of the rumors.

Although no formal campaign has been confirmed, sources in the entertainment business indicate that the film's success has attracted the attention of Oscar watchers and award predictions. The rumored interest appears to be driven by several factors that industry insiders allegedly consider favorable for Oscar consideration.

Also read: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy movie was confirmed even before season 3 (and this latest detail proves it)

In contrast to many anime films that only get a few screenings, the film's September wide US theater release may meet Academy eligibility requirements. Major distributors may be preparing a significant awards drive, according to unverified reports, since they recognize the potential cultural importance of an Academy prize for a mainstream anime property.

Following Miyazaki's map for success

Comparisons to Studio Ghibli's established track record are inevitable when discussing Infinity Castle's Oscar prospects. A precedent for anime at the Academy Awards was set by Spirited Away's 2003 success and The Boy and the Heron's most recent 2024 victory.

Industry watchers point out that while Demon Slayer is a franchise-driven, action-heavy anime derived from shonen manga, both wins were attributed to Miyazaki's arthouse tastes. Infinity Castle may be the next step in anime's Academy Awards appearance, according to rumors circulating in anime distribution circles.

Also read: Demon Slayer's biggest missed opportunity has nothing to do with Tanjiro (or Muzan)

According to conjecture, Demon Slayer's widespread appeal and international fan base may prove that popular anime blockbusters merit significant critical attention alongside conventional Western animation, whereas Miyazaki's works catered to arthouse sensibilities.

The ripple effect of potential recognition

Akaza, as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

According to industry analysts, if the Oscar rumors turn out to be true, the ramifications might go much beyond just one nomination. Distribution executives' unverified reports raise the possibility of changes to the way anime movies are promoted and released in the US.

Rumor has it that the success might open the door for other well-known anime series to get the same treatment, with rumors that Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and One Piece projects might gain more respect from the industry. The alleged cultural influence also affects how anime is viewed as a medium by American viewers.

Also read: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie hints at the main fights, and they don't include Kokushibo or Muzan

According to sources, an Academy Award for a popular anime franchise may validate the medium for audiences who had previously written it off as a niche form of entertainment, which could lead to more widespread theatrical releases and more funding for anime distribution.

Conclusion

Akaza and Tanjiro as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The possible ramifications are astounding, even if all of the conversation is still firmly in the realm of rumors and conjecture. Infinity Castle might be a turning point for anime in American entertainment if it is recognized for an Oscar.

Unverified rumors indicate that the industry is prepared to accept Japanese animation as a serious award candidate deserving of widespread recognition, rather than only as cult entertainment.

Although it's unclear if these speculations will result in nominations, the speculative nature of the rumors suggests anime's increasing impact on international film. Whether Tanjiro's blade can sever decades of Academy history and pave a fresh route for anime acceptance in Hollywood remains to be seen.