Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters dominated the 53rd Annie Awards, securing 10 honors including best feature and voice acting. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with voice actor Arden Cho, celebrated the victories amid growing Oscar buzz. The film's success continues to highlight its cultural impact and K-pop integration.
The 53rd Annie Awards on February 25, 2026, saw KPop Demon Hunters emerge as the night's biggest winner, claiming 10 awards for excellence in animation. This sweep, the only multiple wins among films, bolsters the Netflix release's frontrunner status for best animated feature and best original song at the upcoming Oscars on March 15.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans received Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature Production, presented by Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano, who snapped photos with them backstage alongside colleagues Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. Arden Cho, voicing lead character Rumi, won Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production. The film, released on June 20, 2025, follows a K-pop girl group doubling as demon hunters, blending action, music, and Korean folklore.
Its soundtrack, featuring the Grammy-winning "Golden"—the first K-pop track to take Best Song Written for Visual Media—has topped the Billboard Hot 100 and 200. Singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, embodying fictional group HUNTR/X, recently performed "Golden" at the BAFTAs, drawing viral attention for the audience's subdued reactions despite over 1.5 million YouTube views. HUNTR/X is set for a historic pre-recorded showcase at the BRIT Awards on February 28, marking the first K-pop group there.
A sequel was officially confirmed in late 2025, slated for 2029, exploring Rumi's past and other half-demons, with core voice cast including Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo expected to return. The film has surpassed 540 million views, becoming Netflix's most-watched ever, and boosted Korean tourism. Kang, a Korean-Canadian from Toronto with stints at DreamWorks and others, emphasized authentic Korean elements in design and story. As EJAE shared at the Grammys, where Kendrick Lamar noted his kids love "Golden," the project represents key representation for Asian creators. According to sources close to the production, fan demands for more 'weird' moments like popcorn from eyes fuel sequel excitement, but Kang insists it must come from the heart.
