“KPop Demon Hunters”, Netflix’s animated musical that blends supernatural action with K-pop spectacle, landed two nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday. The film received nods for best animated feature and best original song for “Golden,” making it one of the most unexpected awards-season successes of the year.
Released in June 2025, “KPop Demon Hunters” quickly grew into a global hit, becoming Netflix’s most-watched animated film to date. The movie follows three members of a fictional K-pop group, Huntr/x, who balance sold-out concerts with secret demon-hunting missions that protect their fans from supernatural threats. Its Oscar recognition signals a rare crossover moment for animated films rooted in pop music culture.
According to the Academy, “KPop Demon Hunters” will compete in the animated feature category against titles including “Elio,” “Zootopia 2,” “Arco,” and “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.”
Music at the Center of the Film’s Success
The nomination for “Golden” marks a milestone for K-pop’s presence at the Oscars. The song, written by EJAE along with Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Ido, and Teddy Park, became the first K-pop-associated track to earn an Academy Award nomination, according to Forbes.
“Golden” plays during a pivotal moment in the film, when the members of Huntr/x use their music to help seal a mystical barrier and protect the human world. The track resonated well beyond the movie, topping global streaming charts and earning earlier recognition at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Singer-songwriter EJAE, who also voices the singing parts for the film’s lead character, said the Oscar nomination felt surreal. In an interview with People magazine, EJAE said she never imagined her work would reach the Academy stage, adding that the possibility of performing at the Oscars made her both excited and nervous.
The film’s directors, Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, emphasized that music was never meant to serve as background. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the creative team built the story around the idea that music itself could function as a form of power, community, and protection.
A Cultural Moment Beyond Awards Season
Industry analysts say “KPop Demon Hunters” represents a shift in how animated films and global pop culture intersect. While animated features often struggle to gain recognition outside family categories, the film’s strong storytelling and music-first approach helped it break through.
Forbes noted that the film’s success also reflects the growing influence of K-pop on Western entertainment institutions. The Oscars have increasingly recognized international voices in recent years, and “KPop Demon Hunters” fits squarely into that trend.
As the March 15 ceremony approaches, the film’s nominations already stand as a win for its creators and fans. Whether it leaves the Dolby Theatre with a statue or not, “KPop Demon Hunters” has secured its place as one of the rare animated films that turned pop fandom into awards-season momentum.
