Producers for the 98th Academy Awards have announced a musical tribute to KPop Demon Hunters, with the film's stars EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performing the Oscar-nominated song 'Golden' alongside traditional Korean instrumentalists and dancers. The segment highlights the Netflix animated hit's cultural fusion, following its recent nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Building on KPop Demon Hunters' Oscar nominations earlier this month, Academy Awards executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have unveiled a cinematic performance of 'Golden' during the March 15, 2026, ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien.
The Netflix film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, became the streamer's most-watched original with over 500 million views since its 2025 release. Its soundtrack topped the Billboard 200, and 'Golden' dominated the Hot 100 for eight weeks, earning prior wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and a Grammy.
EJAE (Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey)—the real-life singers voicing the demon-hunting K-pop group HUNTR/X—will reprise the track, previously performed at events like Jimmy Kimmel, the Brit Awards, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The Oscar rendition incorporates Korean traditional elements to honor the film's folklore-inspired narrative.
The film competes in Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories. Producers described the segment as a 'cinematic tribute' to music-narrative synergy, amid a year approaching the Oscars' centennial. Sinners, with 16 nominations, will also get a tribute featuring 'I Lied to You' by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, with Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, and Buddy Guy.
A sequel is confirmed for 2029 or later, sparking fan theories. The live broadcast airs on ABC and Hulu, with presenters including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Robert Downey Jr.
