Netflix's 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Earns Historic Oscar Nominations as Park Chan-wook Film Misses Cut
Netflix's animated hit "K-Pop Demon Hunters" secured two Academy Award nominations Thursday, while director Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" was shut out despite making the December shortlist.
The film received nods for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden," which becomes the first K-pop track ever nominated for an Oscar. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans called the recognition a "dream come true."
Animation Category Showdown
"K-Pop Demon Hunters" faces Disney's "Zootopia 2" and "Elio," Pixar's "Arco," and French film "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain" in the animation race.
The Netflix film has dominated this awards season, winning both categories at the Golden Globes in January and the Critics' Choice Awards earlier this month. It's also earned 10 Annie Award nominations and five Grammy nods, including Song of the Year.
Since launching in June 2025, the movie has become Netflix's most-watched film ever with 541 million viewing hours worldwide. The story follows fictional K-pop group Huntr/x, who secretly fight demons while maintaining their music careers.
'Golden' Makes History
For songwriter EJAE, the Oscar nomination carries personal meaning. She trained for a decade to become a K-pop idol but was rejected. "I would tell my younger self now that I'm so thankful and proud of her," she said at the Golden Globes.
"Golden" competes against Diane Warren's "Dear Me," Raphael Saadiq's "I Lied to You," Nicholas Pike's "Sweet Dreams of Joy," and Nick Cave's "Train Dreams" for Best Original Song.
Park Chan-wook's Oscar Hopes End
Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" failed to advance from the 15-film shortlist for Best International Feature. The dark comedy earned three Golden Globe nominations but couldn't secure a final Oscar spot.
The film, starring Lee Byung-hun as a laid-off worker who resorts to extreme measures, premiered at Venice Film Festival and has grossed $31 million worldwide. It marks Park's second consecutive shortlist appearance after 2022's "Decision to Leave."
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O'Brien hosting.
