'KPop Demon Hunters' Sweeps the 2026 Oscars with 'Golden' Victory
The Netflix animated sensation 'KPop Demon Hunters' triumphs at the 2026 Oscars, securing wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, "Golden," performed by HUNTR/X.
The fictional K-Pop group HUNTR/X—EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—brought their electrifying energy to the 2026 Oscars, performing their hit song “Golden” at the prestigious awards ceremony on Sunday.
In true K-Pop fashion, audience members were equipped with glowing light sticks, illuminating the room during the performance. The trio, dressed in all white, commanded the stage while dancers twirled golden flags in perfect synchronization.
Despite its initial release on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters' limited theatrical run ensured its eligibility for Oscar consideration.
Earlier in the evening, KPop Demon Hunters clinched the coveted award for Best Animated Film. Maggie Kang, co-writer and co-director, along with producer Michelle L.M. Wong and co-director Chris Appelhans, accepted the award. Kang delivered a moving speech, stating, “Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here, and for those of you who look like me. I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here, and that means that the next generations don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
The film's success extended to the music category, where it secured the award for Best Original Song for “Golden.” The track triumphed over Diane Warren’s “Dear Me,” “I Lied to You” from Sinners, the title track to Train Dreams, and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!
Prior to their Oscars triumph, the demon-hunting trio showcased “Golden” at the 2026 Bafta Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. At the 2026 Grammys, they earned five nominations and won Best Song Written For Visual Media. They were also nominated for three Golden Globes, ultimately winning two: Best Original Song — Motion Picture, and Best Motion Picture, Animated.
EJAE reflected on her journey at the Golden Globes, “When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fulfill one dream: to become a K-pop idol. I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn’t good enough, so I leaned on songs and music to get through it. Now, I’m here as a singer and a songwriter.”
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