Netflix’s groundbreaking animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has earned two Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, competing for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the chart-topping hit “Golden.” The historic achievement marks a stunning validation for an animated film deeply rooted in Korean culture that has become Netflix’s most-watched film of all time with over 325 million views. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows the K-pop girl group HUNTR/X (Rummi, Mira, and Zoey) who lead secret double lives as elite demon hunters protecting their fans from supernatural threats. The Oscar recognition arrives following triumphant wins at the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards, along with five Grammy nominations for the soundtrack.
The Film’s Unprecedented Success
KPop Demon Hunters has shattered viewership records since its June 20, 2025 Netflix debut, becoming the streamer’s most popular English-language film of all time. The film also grossed $24.6 million from limited theatrical sing-along releases in August and October-November 2025, demonstrating broad commercial appeal across streaming and theatrical platforms.
Critics have praised the film’s animation, visual style, voice acting, story, and music, with 94% of critics’ reviews on Rotten Tomatoes rating it positively. Time magazine named KPop Demon Hunters its 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, recognizing the film’s cultural significance and global impact.
Awards Recognition and Achievements
The film’s “Golden,” performed by voice actors Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami, has become the song’s defining moment. EJAE’s journey from failed K-pop trainee to Oscar-nominated songwriter adds a poignant narrative dimension to the track’s success across awards bodies.
| Award | Category | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globes | Best Animated Feature | Won | January 11, 2026 |
| Golden Globes | Best Original Song (Golden) | Won | January 11, 2026 |
| Critics Choice | Best Animated Feature | Won | January 4, 2026 |
| Critics Choice | Best Original Song | Won | January 4, 2026 |
| Grammy Awards | Best Pop Duo/Group (HUNTR/X) | Nominated | 5 nominations total for soundtrack |
| Grammy Awards | Song of the Year (Golden) | Nominated | 5 nominations total for soundtrack |
| Academy Awards | Best Animated Feature | Nominated | March 15, 2026 ceremony |
| Academy Awards | Best Original Song (Golden) | Nominated | March 15, 2026 ceremony |
| Annie Awards | Multiple Categories | Nominated | 10 nominations |
The Film’s Creative Vision
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans crafted KPop Demon Hunters as a love letter to music and its power to connect humanity. Kang explained that the film aims to depict female characters authentically—as “strong and bold, really silly and weird, and really hungry for food…and sometimes a little bit thirsty.”
The directors deliberately sought to create something new with music and female representation, celebrating Korean culture while achieving genuine global resonance. The film’s success proves that stories deeply rooted in specific cultures can achieve universal appeal when told with authenticity and heart.
Oscar Competition and Theatrical Release
KPop Demon Hunters competes against animated features including Zootopia 2, Hamnet, and other major studio releases. The song “Golden” faces competition from original songs from Diane Warren: Relentless, Sinners, Viva Verdi!, and Train Dreams in the Best Original Song category.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, with KPop Demon Hunters positioned as a major contender following its Golden Globe wins and broad industry recognition.
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