KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” Wins Huge at the 2026 Oscars
Hollywood, California – March 16, 2026 – KPop Demon Hunters made history at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, securing both Best Original Song for “Golden” and Best Animated Feature Film. The win for “Golden” marks the first time a K-pop song has received the coveted Oscar statuette in the category.
A Historic Win for K-Pop
The song, performed live at the ceremony by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – the singing voices of the HUNTR/X trio in the film – captivated the audience. The performance featured audience members using glowing light sticks and dancers waving golden flags [Rolling Stone].
During her acceptance speech, EJAE, a co-writer of “Golden,” shared an emotional moment, stating, “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop and now everyone is singing our song.” [Yahoo Entertainment]
KPop Demon Hunters: From Netflix to Oscar Glory
KPop Demon Hunters, a musical animated film released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, follows the adventures of the K-pop group HUNTR/X as they battle demons [USA Today]. The film’s success led to a limited theatrical release, qualifying it for Oscar consideration.
The film also earned Michelle Wong the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans sharing the honor. Kang, in her acceptance speech, spoke to the importance of representation, saying, “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 move longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.” [Rolling Stone]
Competition and Recognition
“Golden” triumphed over a competitive field of nominees, including Diane Warren’s “Dear Me,” Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson’s “I Lied to You,” Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner’s “Train Dreams,” and Nicholas Pike’s “Sweet Dreams of Joy” [Pitchfork]. The songwriting team behind “Golden” includes EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park.
Prior to the Oscars, KPop Demon Hunters and its soundtrack received accolades at the 2026 Bafta Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and the 2026 Grammys, where they won Best Song Written For Visual Media. The film also secured two Golden Globe Awards: Best Original Song – Motion Picture, and Best Motion Picture, Animated.