KPop Demon Hunters won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The film also took home the Oscar for Best Music (Original Song) for its hit track “Golden,” which has dominated music charts since its release.
Released on Netflix in June 2025, KPop Demon Hunters quickly became the most-streamed film in Netflix history. It has garnered multiple accolades, including Best Animated Feature at both the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, showcasing its widespread acclaim.
The song “Golden” has been particularly successful, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 for an impressive 18 nonconsecutive weeks and earning double platinum certification from the RIAA. The songwriting team behind this chart-topping hit includes notable names such as Ejae, Joong Gyu-kwak, and Teddy Park.
During the Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, director Maggie Kang delivered an emotional acceptance speech, stating, “This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.” Her heartfelt words resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of representation in the film industry.
However, the film’s acceptance speech was marred by an interruption, which prevented the songwriting team from fully expressing their gratitude. Chris Appelhans, a member of the team, urged young creatives worldwide to share their stories, saying, “I just want to take a moment to say to all the young filmmakers, artists, musicians in all corners of the globe: tell your story, sing in your voice.”
Ejae, reflecting on the significance of the award, remarked, “I’m so proud. And I realized this award is not about success it’s about resilience, and I’m just so grateful to our team.” This sentiment captures the spirit of the film’s journey and its impact on audiences.
KPop Demon Hunters has been unstoppable this awards season, picking up multiple awards and accolades, further establishing its place in cinematic history. As the film continues to resonate with viewers, industry observers are eager to see how its success will influence future projects in the animation and music sectors.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential future collaborations or projects stemming from the film’s success, but the excitement surrounding KPop Demon Hunters is palpable.
