KPop Demon Hunters bags Best Animated Feature Film at 2026 Oscars, Maggie Kang dedicates this award to 'Koreans everywhere'
The 2026 Academy Awards witnessed an emotional moment when the animated film KPop Demon Hunters took home the Best Animated Feature award. The film’s director, Maggie Kang, was teary-eyed as she accepted the honour on stage, as it's a major milestone for the film and its creators. During her speech, she thanked the Academy and the fans who supported the project from the beginning.
Fighting back tears, she said, "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."
Maggie Kang expressed that she wished representation like this had come earlier, adding that she hopes future generations will not have to wait as long to see themselves reflected in films. By bringing such stories to a global audience, she said the project hopes to inspire young people who rarely see their cultures highlighted in mainstream animation.
A historic win for Asian women
KPop Demon Hunters was co-directed by Chris Appelhans and produced by Michelle L. M. Wong. With their victory at the Oscars, Kang and Wong created history by becoming the first female Asian winners in the Best Animated Feature category, according to Variety.
The win adds another major achievement to the film’s already impressive awards season run. Prior to the Oscars, the animated feature had secured top honours at several major events, including the Golden Globe Awards, the Critics' Choice Awards and the Producers Guild of America Awards.
More about Kpop Demon Hunters
The film tells the story of Huntrix, a fictional K-pop girl group whose members secretly fight monsters from the underworld while balancing their lives as global pop stars. By combining high-energy music with action and fantasy elements, the film managed to capture the imagination of audiences around the world.
Apart from its animated storytelling, the film also gained significant attention for its music. One of the tracks from the movie, titled “Golden,” received a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars.
The song, performed by EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, became a major hit following the film’s release. It even reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the standout tracks associated with the film.
A global success for Netflix
The film has also achieved remarkable success on streaming. According to reports, KPop Demon Hunters has become the most popular title on Netflix, drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
Its soundtrack has also performed strongly, spending several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. The growing popularity of the film highlights the global appeal of K-pop culture and its ability to influence entertainment beyond music.
Following the success of the film, the makers have already confirmed that a second season of KPop Demon Hunters is in development. Stay tuned!
Fighting back tears, she said, "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."
Maggie Kang expressed that she wished representation like this had come earlier, adding that she hopes future generations will not have to wait as long to see themselves reflected in films. By bringing such stories to a global audience, she said the project hopes to inspire young people who rarely see their cultures highlighted in mainstream animation.
A historic win for Asian women
KPop Demon Hunters was co-directed by Chris Appelhans and produced by Michelle L. M. Wong. With their victory at the Oscars, Kang and Wong created history by becoming the first female Asian winners in the Best Animated Feature category, according to Variety.
The win adds another major achievement to the film’s already impressive awards season run. Prior to the Oscars, the animated feature had secured top honours at several major events, including the Golden Globe Awards, the Critics' Choice Awards and the Producers Guild of America Awards.
More about Kpop Demon Hunters
The film tells the story of Huntrix, a fictional K-pop girl group whose members secretly fight monsters from the underworld while balancing their lives as global pop stars. By combining high-energy music with action and fantasy elements, the film managed to capture the imagination of audiences around the world.
Apart from its animated storytelling, the film also gained significant attention for its music. One of the tracks from the movie, titled “Golden,” received a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars.
The song, performed by EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, became a major hit following the film’s release. It even reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the standout tracks associated with the film.
A global success for Netflix
The film has also achieved remarkable success on streaming. According to reports, KPop Demon Hunters has become the most popular title on Netflix, drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
Its soundtrack has also performed strongly, spending several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. The growing popularity of the film highlights the global appeal of K-pop culture and its ability to influence entertainment beyond music.
Following the success of the film, the makers have already confirmed that a second season of KPop Demon Hunters is in development. Stay tuned!
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