"Demon Slayer" vs. "Superman": Critics Choice Super Awards Nominees Announced

The awards' rules allow manga and video game adaptations to compete with Marvel and DC comic book movies.

The anime "Demon Slayer: Infinity Fortress" has been nominated for the sixth Critics Choice Super Awards, presented annually by the Critics Choice Association. The film, which grossed over $776 million worldwide, is vying for victory in the "Best Superhero Movie" category. Its rivals are "Superman," "Supergirl," "Fantastic Four: First Steps," "Masters of the Universe," "Mortal Kombat 2," and "Exit 8."

Such an unusual lineup of participants is explained by the specifics of the award itself. The "Best Superhero Movie" category combines not only classic superhero stories but also adaptations of comics, manga, and video games, which is why comic book movies, a magical shonen, and a psychological thriller about an endless subway loop ended up on the same list.

However, "Demon Slayer" is represented in only one category, while James Gunn's "Superman" received six nominations, including acting ones. David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Edi Gathegi are vying for the award. Their rivals are Pedro Pascal from "Fantastic Four," Nicholas Galitzine from "Masters of the Universe," and Kazunari Ninomiya, who played the main character in "Exit 8." In addition, Hoult will compete for the award in the "Best Villain" category, where his rival will be Jared Leto from "Masters of the Universe."

Among actresses, nominations went to Milly Alcock for "Supergirl," Rachel Brosnahan for "Superman," Julia Garner and Vanessa Kirby for "Fantastic Four," Camila Mendes for "Masters of the Universe," and Adeline Rudolph for "Mortal Kombat 2."

The winners of the Critics Choice Super Awards will be announced on August 6.