K-Pop Sensation 'KPop Demon Hunters' Vies for Oscars Glory

The Netflix hit is officially in the running for Animated Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, sparking excitement and debate.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:28pm by

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An abstract, minimalist composition of bold, jagged geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the K-pop and supernatural elements of the film 'KPop Demon Hunters.'The vibrant, stylized visuals of 'KPop Demon Hunters' could make it a standout contender for the Oscars' Animated Feature Film category.San Francisco Today

The global phenomenon 'KPop Demon Hunters' has officially been nominated for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone for the Netflix sensation. The film faces stiff competition from other animated contenders, including Disney's 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2,' as well as acclaimed international features. With its record-breaking viewership on Netflix and chart-topping soundtrack, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is poised to make history, but questions remain about the accuracy of its reported viewership numbers.

Why it matters

The nomination of 'KPop Demon Hunters' for an Oscar represents a potential breakthrough for K-pop and Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood. If the film were to win, it would be a landmark achievement, showcasing the global appeal and artistic merit of K-pop-inspired storytelling. However, the film's path to the Oscars has been controversial, with debates around Netflix's viewership reporting and the film's qualifying theatrical run.

The details

To be eligible for Oscar consideration, 'KPop Demon Hunters' needed to have a qualifying theatrical run, which it achieved with screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco last June. This is in addition to its massive success on Netflix, where the streaming service claims it is their most-watched film ever, with 541 million hours viewed worldwide. However, Netflix's viewership reporting has faced scrutiny, leading some to question whether these numbers are inflated. The film's theatrical earnings, estimated at around $18 million, also remain uncertain due to Netflix's lack of transparency around box office figures.

  • The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the list of eligible films for the animated, documentary, and international feature categories in early 2026.
  • 'KPop Demon Hunters' had qualifying theatrical screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June 2025.
  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air live on ABC on March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET.

The players

KPop Demon Hunters

A Netflix animated film that has become a global phenomenon, blending K-pop music and culture with a supernatural demon-hunting storyline.

Netflix

The streaming platform that produced and distributed 'KPop Demon Hunters,' claiming it is their most-watched film ever.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The organization that oversees the annual Academy Awards, including the Animated Feature Film category.

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What’s next

Fans of 'KPop Demon Hunters' will have to wait until January 22nd to find out if the film has been nominated for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. There is also considerable buzz around the film's potential nomination in the Original Song category, with the track 'Golden' being a strong contender.

The takeaway

The nomination of 'KPop Demon Hunters' for an Oscar represents a significant milestone for K-pop and Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood. If the film were to win, it would be a groundbreaking achievement, showcasing the global appeal and artistic merit of K-pop-inspired storytelling. However, the film's path to the Oscars has been marked by debates around Netflix's viewership reporting and the film's qualifying theatrical run, highlighting the complexities of the awards season landscape.