March 16, 2026 | 09:35 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Korean animated film KPop Demon Hunters won the Oscar for Best Animated Film at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026, local time. The Netflix film, the most-watched in history, brought home the top award for the animation category, beating out several other nominees including Arco, Elio, Little Amlie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2.
KPop Demon Hunters was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and produced by Michelle LM Wong. As reported by Variety, this victory made Maggie and Michelle the first Asian women to win the award for Best Animated Film in history.
"Thank you to the Academy and all the fans who have brought us this far, and to those who look like me," said Maggie when receiving the Oscar on stage. "I deeply regret that it took us so long to see ourselves in a film like this. But here it is, and it means that future generations no longer have to long for it. This is for Korea and for the Korean people everywhere."
This action-fantasy film follows the story of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who also secretly protect the world from evil spirits. According to The Korea Times, the impact of KPop Demon Hunters has extended far beyond the screen. The number of visitors to the National Museum of Korea and tourist sites in historic Seoul featured in the film has increased.
The song "Golden," which colors the film KPop Demon Hunters, is also a top contender for the Best Original Song category. The song is competing with "I Lied to You" by Sinners, "Dear Me" by Diane Warren from the documentary film Diane Warren: Relentless, the theme song by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner from Train Dreams, and "Sweet Dreams of Joy" by Nicholas Pike from Viva Verdi!.
Variety reports that, if it wins, "Golden" could be the first K-pop song to ever win an Oscar. EJAE, who voices Rumi in the film, Mark Sonnenblick, and the hit production company from South Korea, Black Label (Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Zhun), could also make history at the Oscars by becoming the first Koreans to win the award for Best Original Song.
Two days before this victory, Netflix officially announced that they will produce a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return as directors. Previously, KPop Demon Hunters, produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, had reached over 500 million views on Netflix since its debut in June 2025.
Read: Netflix Confirms KPop Demon Hunters Sequel After Success
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' Dominate in 2026 Oscars
7 menit lalu
Check out the list of 2026 Oscar winners from Best Picture to Best Actress. One Battle After Another and Sinners emerge as the most awarded.
Who Will Win the Oscars?
2 hari lalu
Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" and Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" are favorites in top categories.
The Last 5 Best Actress Oscar Winners
2 hari lalu
Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, revisit the last five Best Actress Oscar winners, from Mikey Madison in Anora to Frances McDormand in Nomadland.
Ranking Top 10 Oscar Best Actor Winners in the 21st Century
3 hari lalu
In honor of the upcoming Oscar ceremony, we revisit the most remarkable Best Actor winners of the 21st century. Read more about it, here.
Nicole Kidman, Pedro Pascal, Channing Tatum Announced as 2026 Oscar Presenters
3 hari lalu
Just days away from the 98th Academy Awards, Nicole Kidman, Pedro Pascal, and Channing Tatum are confirmed to lead the rosters of Oscar presenters.
Berlinale: 'Yellow Letters' Wins the Golden Bear Award
21 hari lalu
The political drama by Oscar nominee Ilker Catak took the top award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Breaks Oscar Record with 16 Nominations
51 hari lalu
Ryan Coogler's Sinners made Oscar history on January 22, 2026, with a record 16 nominations.
2026 Oscar Nominations List: 'Sinners' Beats 'Titanic' with 16 Nods
51 hari lalu
The 2026 Oscar nominations are out, with 'Sinners' making history with 16 nods as Conan O'Brien returns to host Hollywood's biggest night this March.
Tom Cruise Finally Takes Home His First Oscar
18 November 2025
More than three decades after earning his first Academy Award nomination, Tom Cruise finally accepted his first Oscar at the Governors Awards.
"Wicked: For Good" Unveils Final Trailer: What We Know So Far
25 September 2025
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return in "Wicked: For Good," the 2025 sequel with star-studded cast, new songs, and powerful moments.
