By JAMES POLLARD and MARIA SHERMAN
“KPop Demon Hunters” won the Academy Award for best animated feature film on Sunday, capping a culturally defining run that has placed the musical-action movie atop both box-office and music charts.
Netflix’s big blockbuster follows HUNTR/X, a Korean girl group that battles otherworldly demons, a rival boy band and their lead singer’s own shame. Its choppy animation style, which combines 2D anime aesthetics with 3D CGI stylizations, underscores the high-octane action. Alongside all the demon-slaying and choreography is a creative tale of self-acceptance that blends Korean mythology and K-pop idol culture.
In her acceptance speech, director Maggie Kang apologized to “those of you who look like me” that it took so long for them to be represented on the screen.
“This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere,” she said.
Kang has said she wanted to fully immerse viewers in its Korean setting rather than explain certain elements for Western audiences. By “throwing people into the deep end of a culture,” she previously told the AP, it is easier to break down barriers. “If you don’t shine a light on it, it just becomes more easily accepted,” she said.
They’re going up, up, up; it’s their moment
EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon and Teddy Park—the team behind “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”—took home the original song award.
Rei Ami, from left, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna perform “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
It is a first-time win and nomination for all seven members behind the hit. It is also the first K-pop song to win in the category.
Netflix has said that “KPop Demon Hunters” is the platform’s most watched film of all time and has amassed hundreds of millions of hours viewed worldwide. It also produced the highest charting soundtrack of 2025 with eight of its songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Thank you so much to the Academy,” EJAE started her speech, holding back tears. “This award is not about success, it’s about resilience.”
When nominations were announced in January, EJAE told The Associated Press that she was totally shocked by the recognition. “It just doesn’t feel real even right now. I’m just still trying to digest the situation. It’s just definitely a dream come true. And that’s why, you know, we write—to have a song that everyone can sing, and not just sing, but make them feel good, because the lyrics (are) very uplifting, and challenge them to sing those high notes,” she said. “For me, also, it’s the fact that there are Korean lyrics in it. It is just kind of really crazy to see everyone from all different countries and races singing it. So, I’m just forever grateful to be a part of this incredible film that I wish I grew up watching, too.”
Filipino American Autumn Durald Arkapaw won for best cinematography for her work in “Sinners.”
“I’m so honored to be here, and I really want all the women in the room to stand up, because I feel like I don’t get here without you guys,” she said when accepting the Oscar.
See the complete list of 2026 Academy Awards winners here.
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