Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters achieved a historic milestone at the 98th Academy Awards, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the track Golden.
The awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where the film capped off a remarkable awards season that already included victories at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Grammy Awards.
The win also marks a major cultural milestone, as “Golden” became the first K-pop genre song to win an Oscar.
Emotional Moment for Filmmakers
Co-director Maggie Kang accepted the award for Best Animated Feature alongside co-director Chris Appelhans and producer Michelle L. M. Wong.
During her acceptance speech, Kang delivered an emotional message celebrating representation in global cinema.
“For those of you who look like me, I’m sorry it took so long to see ourselves in a movie like this. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
The film’s success has been widely seen as a landmark moment for Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood animation.
‘Golden’ Becomes First K-Pop Song to Win an Oscar
The soundtrack hit “Golden”, performed and co-written by EJAE, also secured the Best Original Song award.
During the acceptance speech, EJAE shared a heartfelt reflection on the song’s journey.
“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop. But now everyone’s singing our song and the Korean lyrics. This award is not about success — it’s about resilience.”
She was joined on stage by co-writer Mark Sonnenblick and composers including Kwak Joong‑gyu, Lee Yu‑han, Nam Hee‑dong, Seo Jeong‑hoon, and producer Teddy Park.
However, the moment sparked debate online after the orchestra began playing before all the songwriters could finish speaking, cutting the group’s acceptance speech short.
Global Hit for Netflix
Released in June last year, the film quickly became one of the biggest streaming hits for Netflix.
The story follows Huntr/x — a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly battles supernatural threats while balancing their music careers. The group faces villains including the demon overlord Gwi-Ma and the soul-stealing Saja Boys.
Its soundtrack achieved massive success globally. “Golden” topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart, making history as the first K-pop genre song to reach No.1 on both charts.
The success has already prompted Netflix to confirm that a sequel to the film is currently in development.
Spectacular Oscars Performance
The Oscars ceremony featured a vibrant live performance of “Golden” by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami.
The performance blended modern pop with traditional Korean cultural elements, including pansori storytelling and traditional dance. The audience, which included stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, and Steven Spielberg, enthusiastically waved light sticks in a scene reminiscent of a K-pop concert.
Other Major Winners at Oscars 2026
The night’s top honor, Best Picture, went to One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for Sinners, and Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.
The dual wins for KPop Demon Hunters highlighted the growing global influence of Korean pop culture and the expanding reach of the K-wave (Hallyu) in international entertainment.
