Following its nominations for best animated feature and original song "Golden," Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters secured both awards at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, won best original song presented by Lionel Richie—marking the first K-pop winner and first with more than four credited writers. The acceptance speech was cut short by the orchestra, drawing boos from the audience.
At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Lionel Richie presented the award 40 years after his own win for “Say You, Say Me.” The earlier performance featured light-up wristbands and dancers with golden flags; performers hugged before exiting as stagehands cleared the set. "Golden," co-written by seven (EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu-Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, Teddy Park), had previously topped charts worldwide, joining winners like “Shallow” with the No. 1/Oscar double.
It beat nominees “I Lied to You” (Sinners), “Dear Me” (Diane Warren: Relentless), “Sweet Dreams of Joy” (Viva Verdi!), and “Train Dreams” (Train Dreams). EJAE (Rumi’s voice) accepted first, tearfully noting: “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop... This award is about resilience.” The orchestra cut off co-writer Yu-Han Lee (Yuhan); Mark Sonnenblick rushed onstage. Per Academy rules, the seven share one statuette.
Speeches continued backstage: Yuhan thanked families, “24,” and IDO members; Sonnenblick praised the film's collaborators and animators. KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s most-streamed title, won best animated feature (directors Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans). Ludwig Göransson won best score for Sinners.
