‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Wins Best Animated Feature Film at 2026 Oscars

During the Oscars on Sunday (March 15), best animated feature film of the year was one of the first awards of the evening — and it went to the smash hit KPop Demon Hunters.

It was the first nomination and win for the team of Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong.

“For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry it took so long to see us in a movie like this,” said Kang as the cameras panned to the singing voices of HUNTR/X (Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and EJAE) tearing up in the audience.

“Movies have the power to connect us…across borders,” added Appelhans, before Wong thanked their partners for their endless support.

KPop Demon Hunters also appears in the category for achievement in music written for motion pictures (original song) with “Golden” (music and lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon and Teddy Park).

The Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit is performed by Nuna, Rei Ami and EJAE in the film — and will also be performed by the trio during the ceremony this evening.

Last week, it was announced that the singing voices of HUNTR/X were named Billboard’s Women of the Year ahead of the annual event in April. Other 2026 honorees include fellow Oscar-nominee Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Ella Langley, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Thalia and Zara Larsson.

Billboard Women In Music will be hosted by Keke Palmer and the show will stream live on Billboard.com and Billboard‘s YouTube channel.