"KPop Demon Hunters" has been named Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. It beats out other nominees "Arco", "Elio", "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain", and "Zootopia 2".
Idols by day. Hunters by night. Oscar winners tonight. KPOP DEMON HUNTERS secures the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/J2a58sJ2Ci
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 15, 2026
Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans directed the Sony Pictures Animation enterprise. Michelle L.M. Wong is the producer of 'KPop Demon Hunters' which became an instant global sensation, dominating streaming and music charts. It turned into a massive hit with kids and teenagers since its release on June 20.
The film revolves around a trio of K-pop stars, Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), called Huntrix, blessed with alternate 'superhero' identities as demon hunters working to thwart any supernatural threat that puts the lives of their fans in danger, with the help of their music. The film's central plot revolves around the Huntrix fighting a battle against a rival boy band comprising demons in disguise.
The hit soundtrack features original songs performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga. Aside from the original song “Takedown” (TWICE version), performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of TWICE.
The major songs include: "How It's Done" by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI; "Strategy" by TWICE; "Golden" by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI; and "Jinu's Lament" by Andrew Choi.
A month after its premiere, Netflix claimed that it's their "most-watched original animated film of all time". In the second week of August, the film reportedly became the "second most-popular" English-language film on the platform.
A sequel has been confirmed already. After it became the "most watched" on streaming charts last year, and the two-day karaoke-accompanied 'Sing Alone' theatrical event, there have been discussions about moving ahead with the next chapter.
