KPop Demon Hunters took home the trophy for Best Animated Film at the 2026 Oscars. Maggie Kang, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, producer Michelle L.M. Wong, and co-director Chris Appelhans took the stage to accept the award.
“Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here, and for those of you who look like me,” said Kang in a moving speech. “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.”
Appelhans also stressed the power of the next generations of artists, emphasising how music and stories “have this power to connect us as humans across cultures and borders.” He added, “I just want to take a moment to say to all the young filmmakers, artists, musicians in all corners of the globe, tell your story, sing in your voice. I promise you the world is waiting.”
Wong thanked Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation before sending a special message to her mother: “Mom, this is for you.”
KPop Demon Hunters has had a phenomenal run, winning Best Animated Film at the Golden Globes, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and PGA Awards, and taking 10 Annie Awards. The animated movie is the most popular movie in the history of Netflix, with over 540 million views. Earlier this month, Netflix announced a sequel was on the way.
The Oscars win for Best Animated Film marks a monumental moment for Asian-American artists across cinema and Hollywood. Kpop Demon Hunters is also up for Best Original Song for the massive hit song “Golden.”
From Rolling Stone US
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