Anime Detour 2026 AMV Contest - Entries Due February 15th, 2026!

[belindabird]

Hi all, we're down to the final couple of days for entries to the Anime Detour 2026 AMV Contest!

I've gotten some questions as to when finalists will be announced, since several editors are participating in a contest with anonymous entry rules (RICE). I'm more than happy to protect everyone's anonymity by waiting to announce finalists publicly until the RICE finalists identity is revealed, so don't let the timing stop you from entering!

Hi all, this is Jessi from the Anime Detour AMV Contest. Our 2026 contest is now accepting entries! You can find more information and our full list of rules at our contest website:

https://www.animedetour.com/amv-contest/

If you’d like to jump directly to our entry form, you can find it below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp ... usp=header

Please note: only entries submitted by editors who reside within the U.S. are able to compete in the contest. However, we have an annual exhibition (the AMV Showcase) where we are happy to show off AMVs which are not otherwise eligible as finalists.

Also very important this year – we are moving up our entry due date to February 15th, 2026 at 11:59:59pm Central Time to allow our AMV staff members more time to complete the finalist selection process.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, or email programming@animedetour.com and I’ll be happy to answer them!
As usual, I can’t wait to see your entries!

[SliceofLife]

Okay, I need to make a comeback this year at this con. I'M READY.

[James Blond]

Okay, I need to make a comeback this year at this con. I'M READY.

Please do! I'll be looking forward to it!

[JMI]

I just submitted my entry. Thanks and I hope you get a good turnout for the contest!

[belindabird]

Thank you!

[Iren S.S.]

Hello! I was wondering if it is safe to send videos that are currently taking part in a blind/anonymous event (RICE) which will conclude in early March? Do you plan to post finalists before that? And do you usually post only editor names or video titles as well? I think that would be helpful to know if any other participants are considering sending their videos here but don't know if they risk to be revealed before RICE concludes.

[belindabird]

Hello, good questions. The exact date the finalists are posted will depend on how long it takes for me/my staff to choose them, so I don't necessarily have an exact date I can give, but typically we like to have that information out a couple weeks after the submission deadline. I could certainly wait a little bit if this would be a concern for multiple people, but this is the first time this question has come up so I'm not sure how universal this concern might be.

When I post the finalists, I list editor and AMV title.

[belindabird]

After receiving a couple of other messages regarding RICE, I've added some information at the top of the thread - I'll wait to announce full finalist details until RICE does finalist info reveal, so no one should feel nervous about entering