“KPop Demon Hunters” secured the Oscar for best animated feature during the recent awards ceremony, concluding a remarkable journey as it emerged as Netflix’s highest-viewed film upon its release in 2025.
Director Maggie Kang expressed her gratitude on stage, acknowledging the significance of seeing representation on screen for individuals like herself. She dedicated the victory to Korea and Koreans around the world.
The action-packed film, which tracks the adventures of Huntrix – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – a renowned global KPop girl group balancing fame with their concealed identities as demon hunters, also received a nomination for the best original song, “Golden,” composed by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick.
This animated musical fantasy has previously triumphed at prestigious award ceremonies, clinching accolades such as best animated feature and best song at the 31st Critics Choice Awards and best animated motion picture along with best original song at the 83rd Golden Globes. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the Netflix sensation also secured a Grammy for best song written for visual media, marking a historic win for a KPop track at the Grammys.
Under the direction of Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film’s soundtrack has gained global popularity. In a press release in January 2026, it was revealed that the movie had become the most-viewed title over a six-month period with 482 million views and an additional 32 million views for its lyric videos.
Competing against titles such as “Zootopia 2,” “Arco,” “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” and “Elio,” “KPop Demon Hunters” emerged victorious in the best animated feature category.
