Despite shattering box-office records in Japan and being received extremely well in the rest of the world as well, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc failed to secure a spot in 2026 Oscar nominations. However, the Chainsaw Man movie has been nominated for Saturn Awards instead.

The film’s English voice actor, Ryan Colt Levy, has shifted the spotlight, proving that industry validation may be moving away from traditional Hollywood circles like the Oscars.

Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Finally Gets The Win It Deserves

While the Oscars turned a blind eye to the chaos and emotional depth of Chainsaw Man, it has received major approval somewhere else that many anime fans argue matters more. Following the disappointment of the Academy Awards announcement, news broke that Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc secured a top-tier nomination at the Japan Academy Film Prize and Saturn Awards.

For English voice actors and dedicated anime fans, this recognition is excellent news. The Reze Arc movie, which adapts one of the manga’s most beloved storylines, was a huge commercial success. It generated about 10 billion yen in Japan alone and performed exceptionally well in international markets. Critics praised Studio MAPPA’s animation, particularly the seamless blend of explosive action sequences and the quiet, tragic romance between Denji and Reze, which is burned into all of our eyes for good now.

The disconnect between the Academy’s choices and what global audiences are actually watching is something we are no strangers to. It’s not limited to the Oscars either. Anime movies like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and Suzume faced similar problems. The Academy has always loved productions from Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks, often leaving Japanese animation to fight for a single slot, if there is one at all.

Ryan Colt Levy Fires Back After Oscars Snub

Denji from Chainsaw Man | Credit: MAPPA

In a recent post, Ryan Colt Levy highlighted the movie’s nomination by the Saturn Awards, effectively brushing off the Academy’s rejection.

Let’s go team Chainsaw!!! @SaturnAwards pic.twitter.com/941I6q7xsy— Ryan Colt Levy ⛓️✌🏽 (@ryancoltlevy) January 28, 2026

The accurate measure of the movie’s success is more about its resonance with the audience and the specific recognition it received from fans who understand the medium. This has been a growing sentiment among anime fans.

Fans are replying with messages of support, sharing their favorite moments from the movie, and criticizing the Academy for being “out of touch.”  The “Reze Arc” was essential for Denji’s character development. It explored his naivety and his desperate desire for connection, themes that Levy has consistently nailed with his voice acting. By focusing on the positive news of the alternative award nomination, Levy directed the conversation away from sadness and toward celebration.

TITLEChainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze ArcSTUDIOMAPPARATING ON MAL9.11/10LENGTH1 hr. 39 min.

What are your thoughts on Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc? Tell us in the comments.

Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
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