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.

FAQs

How many Oscar nominations did KPop Demon Hunters receive?

KPop Demon Hunters earned two Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden.”

What awards has KPop Demon Hunters won before the Oscars?

The film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, and also won both categories at the 31st Critics Choice Awards on January 4, 2026.

How many views has KPop Demon Hunters received on Netflix?

KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most-watched film of all time with over 325 million views since its June 20, 2025 release on the streaming platform.

Who performed the song Golden in KPop Demon Hunters?

“Golden” was performed by the voice actors portraying HUNTR/X: Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami, with songwriting credits to EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, and Lee Hee-joon.

When will the Academy Awards ceremony take place?

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, where KPop Demon Hunters will compete in Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories.