Netflix'S 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Eyes Oscar Glory With Eligibility Nod on ONDA LA

'KPop Demon Hunters' Hits the Oscar Radar

Step aside, Hollywood blockbusters – there's a new animated sensation in town. Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' has thrown its hat in the Oscar ring, joining 35 other animated films vying for a coveted spot at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dropped the list on Friday, showcasing eligible films across animated, documentary, and international feature categories.

KPop Demon Hunters' road to Oscar eligibility was no cakewalk. While the film made waves in homes across the globe via Netflix, it also secured a theatrical run right in the heart of the entertainment world – Los Angeles – as well as in New York and San Francisco last June. This theatrical stint was crucial, meeting the film academy's requirements for Oscar consideration. Despite its theatrical success and massive online popularity, its UK release didn't make the cut for the BAFTAs.

“KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix revealed, "is our most-watched film ever, amassing more than 541 million hours viewed worldwide.”

What's Next for 'KPop Demon Hunters'?

Other animated heavyweights in the Oscar race include Disney’s ‘Elio,’ ‘Zootopia 2,’ and Crunchyroll/Sony's ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.’ However, the absence of the Chinese blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ raised eyebrows among the cinema-savvy crowd.

Not just a visual feast, 'KPop Demon Hunters' also rocked the music scene. Its soundtrack topped charts in 2025, with eight tracks lighting up the Billboard Hot 100. The film’s theatrical splash in August – with an estimated $18 million in earnings – only cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon. This isn't Netflix's first dance with Oscar glory, having earned an animated feature win in 2022 for 'Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.'

Countdown to Oscar Night

As the world waits with bated breath, fans of 'KPop Demon Hunters' circle January 22 on their calendars for the big nomination reveal. The film isn't just eyeing the animated feature category but is also expected to dominate in the original song category with its hit "Golden."

The 98th Oscars ceremony is set to light up screens live on ABC on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET. One thing's for sure – the stage is set for a night of anticipation and celebration.