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Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters Makes Oscar History for Global Animated Cinema

Animation

Business Honor
23 January, 2026

Animated hit earns Academy Award nominations, highlighting K-pop’s growing influence on global cinematic storytelling

Netflix’s global hit animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters has now officially become part of cinematic history with the series’ official selection for the Best Animated Feature film and the Best Original Song honors at the recently announced 98th Academy Awards, marking a major K-Pop Demon Hunters Oscar nomination milestone. Since its release in June 2025, the animated film has become more than just an animated series on Netflix, emerging as a Netflix animated film Best Animated Feature contender in the global entertainment landscape.

This film was lauded for its "bold visuals" and its "action-packed scenes" and "emotion-packed storytelling" as an example of how "as an industry and an art form… animation continues to grow as a force in storytelling of global consequence," strengthening global animation storytelling Netflix continues to champion. This film was an "energetic mix" of "high-energy K-pop culture" and "supernatural fantasy" film elements, positioning it among leading K-pop inspired animated movie awards contenders.

Shortly after its release, the film received widespread recognition within the film industry. The film swept the Critics Choice Awards, winning Best Animated Feature, before going on to collect major honors during the Golden Globe Award ceremonies for Best Animated Motion Picture, reinforcing its status as an Oscar nominated animated feature 2026 favorite.

The movie's impact not only showcases a renewed trend in America's animation industry but also the awards it won. Not only has this film utilized an ‘international-themed narrative,’ ‘genre blending,’ and a ‘culturally driven soundtrack,’ but animation has also been shown to compete at ‘the highest level of cinema.’

The Oscar nomination isn’t just a win; it symbolizes a new era in motion picture production and animation creativity, in which animation and live action vie for top honors with the help and inspiration of international influences such as K-pop. In that context, KPop Demon Hunters sets a new standard for animation globally.