'KPop Demon Hunters' emerged as the winner in two categories at the recent 98th Academy Awards. Huntrix also performed the song 'Golden' live before the winner was announced.
KPop Demon Hunters turned out to be one of the most successful films of 2025. Despite being released on Netflix alongside a limited theatrical release, the movie has continued to form a big fan base among the audience. The soundtrack has specifically become popular, with four of the singles grabbing the top spots on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The praise towards KPop Demon Hunters has also helped it to win two awards at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026 (ET). Keep reading to know more about it.
ADVERTISEMENT.
TRENDING
KPop Demon Hunters created headlines at the 98th Academy Awards with its victory in two categories. The movie first won an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature Film category. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with producer, Michelle LM Wong, went on stage to take the award. While delivering a speech on the win, Kang said that the victory was dedicated to Korea and all the Koreans around the world.
The film won another award in the category of Best Original Song for the hit single, Golden. The single has previously emerged as the winner in the same category at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. EJAE was spotted getting emotional as she expressed gratitude for the achievement by saying:
“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone is singing our song and all the Korean lyrics. I realized the song, this award is not about success. It’s about resilience.”
Before Golden was announced as the winner, the song was performed live by Huntrix on stage at the 98th Academy Awards. Singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appeared together at the event, and they were spotted in white outfits. They were accompanied by many other performers, and they were wearing golden dresses. Everyone else present inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was seen enjoying the performance as they took out the light sticks.
Popular faces such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Elle Fanning also reacted to the performance while they were in their seats. EJAE was a co-writer of Golden, along with other songs from KPop Demon Hunters. Notably, the news related to a performance of the song first emerged in January 2026. In an interview with PEOPLE during that period, EJAE said that there have been discussions related to the performance and continued:
“The thought of that is kind of incredibly nerve wracking, because I have really bad stage fright. I’ve been trying my best to overcome that stage fright, but I think the Oscars is a whole different level of stage fright.”
EJAE also reacted to Golden being nominated for the Oscars in the same conversation, saying that it feels “surreal.” She further stated that the achievement has pushed her to work harder, and she is even feeling more energized for what is about to come. EJAE mentioned that the achievement has inspired her at the same time, since it is included among the work of other talented artists and filmmakers.
What are your thoughts about the victory of KPop Demon Hunters and the performance of the song Golden at the Oscars 2026? Let us know.
Also Read: Oscars 2026: Robert Downey Gifts Chris Evans Channing Tatum's 'Thong', Fans Call It A 'Strange Bit'