The animated film world has been electrified by the news that the Netflix original movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has secured two prestigious nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026.
This announcement, made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 22, marks a monumental achievement for a film that has already redefined the boundaries of animated storytelling and musical integration.
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” has been a cultural juggernaut since its release in June 2025, blending the vibrant aesthetics of the K-pop industry with a high-stakes supernatural thriller narrative.
These nominations serve as the ultimate validation of the film’s artistic excellence and its unprecedented global reach.
Record-Breaking Nominations: Animation and Music
The film was recognized in two major categories: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
- Best Animated Feature: Co-directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang and American director Chris Appelhans, the film follows the story of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who lead secret double lives as demon hunters. The nomination acknowledges the film’s innovative animation style, which seamlessly incorporates the high-energy choreography and visual flair of actual K-pop performances into a lushly designed supernatural world. It is set to compete against major titles like “Arco,” “Elio,” and “Zootopia 2.”
- Best Original Song: The hit track “Golden” was nominated in the music category, making history as the first K-pop style song to receive an Oscar nomination. Performed by the fictional group HUNTR/X (voiced by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), the song has become a global chart-topper, surpassing one billion views on YouTube and dominating the Billboard Soundtrack charts.
Also Read: Global Phenomenon: ‘K-Pop: Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Film, Securing $15M Bonus
A Trailblazing Awards Season
The Oscar nominations are the latest in a string of accolades for the project. Earlier in January 2026, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” won both Best Animated Film and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
These wins are often seen as the primary indicators for Oscar success, placing the film as a frontrunner in its categories.
Furthermore, the soundtrack has received five Grammy Award nominations, including the prestigious Song of the Year.
The film’s success has been so immense that it reportedly dethroned “Squid Game” to become Netflix’s most-watched title of all time, amassing over 500 million views worldwide.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The significance of these nominations extends beyond just the film itself. For the K-pop industry, it represents a successful crossover into the highest tiers of Western cinematic recognition.
Director Maggie Kang’s nomination also marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Korean-Canadian director to achieve this level of Academy recognition.
The film’s narrative—which involves K-pop idols protecting their fans from literal demons—has resonated with audiences of all ages, creating a new “cultural phenomenon” that combines traditional animation with the modern global appeal of Hallyu.
Looking Toward the Ceremony
As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, the entertainment world is watching to see if “K-Pop Demon Hunters” can secure a win and continue its “Golden” run.
The potential for a live performance of the nominated song during the Oscars broadcast has already generated massive buzz among fans.
Whether or not it takes home the statues, the film has already made history by proving that animated stories centered on K-pop can achieve universal critical and commercial success on a scale never seen before.
