Netflix's animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters" is gaining serious momentum in the 2026 awards race after winning Best Animated Feature at the Producers Guild of America (PGA) Awards, a recognition often seen as a strong predictor of success at the Academy Awards.
The film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, is now heading into the 98th Academy Awards with two major nominations: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the track "Golden."
With a growing list of awards already under its belt, many industry observers believe the animated blockbuster could become one of the biggest winners of the night.
Strong Awards Season Momentum
"KPop Demon Hunters" has enjoyed a remarkable awards-season run leading up to the Oscars.
Earlier this year, the film won Best Animated Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards, along with Best Original Song for "Golden." The project also secured a Critics Choice Award for Best Animated Feature, further strengthening its position as a top contender.
In February, the soundtrack's standout song "Golden" earned a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, marking a historic milestone for K-pop music at the ceremony.
The recent PGA Award win has added even more weight to the film's Oscar campaign. The Producers Guild Awards are often considered an important indicator of Academy Award outcomes, with many winners going on to claim the Oscar in the same category.
Who Is It Competing Against?
At the 2026 Academy Awards, "KPop Demon Hunters" faces several strong competitors in the Best Animated Feature category.
The nominees include:
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Zootopia 2
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Elio
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Arco
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Little Amélie
Among these, Zootopia 2 is widely seen as a major rival due to the popularity of the original film and its strong box office performance.
Meanwhile, "KPop Demon Hunters" is also nominated in the Best Original Song category for "Golden," a track performed by EJAE that has gained global attention and contributed significantly to the film's popularity.
A Global Streaming Phenomenon
Since its release on Netflix in June 2025, "KPop Demon Hunters" has become a massive global success.
The film reportedly surpassed 500 million views on the streaming platform, making it one of Netflix's most-watched titles. Its unique combination of high-energy animation, K-pop music, and supernatural storytelling has resonated with audiences worldwide.
The movie follows a group of K-pop idols who secretly fight demons while maintaining their careers as global pop stars-a concept that blends Korean pop culture with fantasy action in a visually vibrant animated format.
Will the Oscar Streak Continue?
With victories at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Grammys, and the Producers Guild Awards, "KPop Demon Hunters" enters the 2026 Oscars as one of the most decorated animated films of the year.
Whether that momentum will translate into an Academy Award win remains to be seen. But with strong industry support and a growing global fanbase, the film has positioned itself as one of the most exciting contenders in this year's race.
All eyes will now turn to the Oscars ceremony, where the question remains: can "KPop Demon Hunters" turn its impressive awards streak into the industry's most coveted prize?
