Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has secured a spot on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' list of eligible works for the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone for the streaming platform's original animated content. The announcement has generated considerable excitement within the entertainment industry as observers speculate about the film's potential success during Hollywood's prestigious awards season.
The Academy released its official list of 35 films qualifying for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category on Friday, with "KPop Demon Hunters" earning its place among the contenders. The inclusion represents a notable achievement for the Netflix production, which has gained international recognition since its debut earlier this year.
The animated feature faces competition from major studio releases, including Disney's upcoming titles "Elio" and "Zootopia 2." The eligibility list also features several highly anticipated Japanese animated films that have captured global attention, such as "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: The Infinity Castle" and "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc," both of which have generated significant buzz among animation enthusiasts worldwide.
"KPop Demon Hunters" tells the story of Huntrix, a K-pop girl group that doubles as supernatural protectors, defending the world from malevolent spirits and evil forces. The film has demonstrated remarkable global appeal since its release in June, quickly establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional animation audiences.
The movie achieved immediate success upon its launch, reaching the number one position on Netflix's global charts right after its release. Driven by strong word-of-mouth recommendations and positive viewer reactions, "KPop Demon Hunters" went on to break Netflix's all-time viewership record for an animated film, cementing its status as a streaming platform success story. The overwhelming positive response has already prompted Netflix to greenlight a sequel, ensuring the continuation of the Huntrix story.
Beyond its visual storytelling success, the film's soundtrack has made significant waves in the music industry. Popular tracks from the movie, including "Golden," "Soda Pop," and "Your Idol," have successfully crossed over to mainstream music charts, with all three songs earning positions on Billboard's main chart. This musical success has helped expand the film's reach beyond traditional animation fans, attracting K-pop enthusiasts and general music lovers to the animated feature.
The Academy will announce the official nominees for the Best Animated Feature category on January 22, 2026, narrowing down the field from the current list of eligible films. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, where the winners in all categories, including Best Animated Feature, will be revealed. Industry watchers will be closely monitoring whether "KPop Demon Hunters" can maintain its momentum and secure a coveted nomination in the competitive animated feature category.
