Trader consensus in the Best Original Anime category at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards pits MAPPA's Lazarus as a slim frontrunner over ZENSHU, driven by Shinichiro Watanabe's storied direction—echoing Cowboy Bebop's legacy—and the series' Emmy-nominated theme and fluid action sequences that garnered strong critical buzz post-nominations on April 2. ZENSHU holds firm with robust fan momentum from its inventive isekai premise, heartfelt storytelling, and additional nods like Best Isekai, appealing to voters who prioritize emotional engagement over prestige. Apocalypse Hotel lurks as a dark horse via dedicated online advocacy touting it as an underdog gem, while others lag amid weaker reception. With the May 23 Tokyo ceremony nearing, final outcomes hinge on blended fan votes from April and judge tallies, where late shifts in sentiment could spark an upset.