Masanao Kawajiri’s upcoming original animated feature Cherry and Virgin has received an early boost ahead of its theatrical release, earning Special Mention of the Jury in the 2026 Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival. The honor comes after the film made its world premiere in the festival’s Animation Plus section.
Cherry and Virgin receives international festival recognition
According to Variety and the Fantasia International Film Festival, Cherry and Virgin was recognized by the jury in one of the festival’s most prestigious animation categories. The award highlights the film’s creative achievement ahead of its planned 2027 theatrical release.
Directed by veteran animator Masanao Kawajiri, Cherry and Virgin was first announced in 2021 and was initially expected to debut in 2022 before being delayed. While story details remain under wraps, the latest recognition signals growing anticipation for the original project.
This year’s Fantasia International Film Festival has featured a strong lineup of anime and Japanese productions. Alongside Cherry and Virgin, the event hosted the world premiere of Grotesqqque, CloverWorks’ three-part anime anthology, as well as the premiere of two episodes from Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights.
The festival also screened the North American premiere of Sekiro: No Defeat, the international premiere of the live-action WIND BREAKER film, and several animated shorts from creators around the world.
The 2026 Satoshi Kon Award for Best Animated Feature was awarded to Blaise, directed by Jean-Paul Guigue and Dimitri Planchon. The 30th Fantasia International Film Festival is taking place in Montreal from July 16 through August 2, continuing its reputation as one of the world’s leading showcases for genre cinema and animation.