(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from ceremony in paras 12-16; ADDS photos, background info in 10th para)
The animated sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” triumphed at the 98th Academy Awards, securing wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song with “Golden.” The ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
These Oscar victories follow the film’s previous successes at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards in January, where it dominated the same categories. Last month, “Golden” also made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the first K-pop song to win Best Song Written for Visual Media.
As “Golden” played, co-director Maggie Kang, wearing a red dress, accepted the Best Animated Feature award alongside co-director Chris Appelhans and producer Michelle L.M. Wong, her voice filled with emotion.
“For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this,” said Kang, a Korean Canadian filmmaker. “But it is here, and that means that the next generation don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
Later in the ceremony, “Golden” earned the title of Best Original Song, marking a historic moment as the first K-pop genre track to win the category.
Korean American singer Ejae, the performer and co-writer of “Golden,” delivered an emotional acceptance speech. “Growing up, you know, people made fun of me liking K-pop. But now, everyone’s singing our song, and all the creative lyrics, I’m so proud.” She continued, “I realize the song is not about success — It’s about resilience, and I’m just so grateful to our team.”
Ejae was joined on stage by the song’s co-lyricist Mark Sonnenblick and The Black Label composers Kwak Joong-gyu, Lee Yu-han, Nam Hee-dong and Seo Jeong-hoon.
“KPop Demon Hunters” follows Huntr/x, who lead a double life as musicians and warriors protecting the world from demonic spirits, including the overlord Gwi-Ma and the soul-stealing Saja Boys. The film blends K-pop music with action-packed demon hunting.
Released on June 20 last year by Sony Pictures Animation, the film became a massive hit and Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Its songs also achieved tremendous success, with “Golden” becoming the first K-pop track to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and the British Official Singles Chart Top 100.
Last week, Netflix officially announced that a sequel is in development, although a release date has not yet been announced.
The ceremony included a captivating performance of “Golden” by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as Huntr/x, following an opening sequence that combined cinematic narration, “pansori,” (a traditional Korean musical storytelling form) and traditional Korean dance inspired by the film.
The performance garnered enthusiastic cheers as Hollywood stars and filmmakers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone and Steven Spielberg waved light sticks, creating the vibrant atmosphere of a K-pop concert.
The prestigious Best Picture award was presented to “One Battle After Another,” which also secured Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn, and three additional awards.
Director Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a strong contender with 16 nominations, earned four wins, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Original Screenplay.
Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, in “Hamnet,” while Amy Madigan received Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Weapons.”
