Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters has officially been deemed eligible for consideration at the 2026 Academy Awards, marking another major milestone for the record-breaking animated feature.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released its list of 35 animated films eligible for nomination in the Best Animated Feature category at next year’s Oscars, set to take place on March 15, 2026. Netflix’s supernatural K-Pop adventure made the cut after meeting the Academy’s theatrical requirements.
Qualifying Screenings Secure Eligibility
To qualify, animated films must be publicly screened for paid admission in a commercial theater for at least seven consecutive days in one of six major U.S. metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Chicago.
KPop Demon Hunters fulfilled this requirement through screenings held June 20–26 across New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, allowing it to enter the Oscars race.
Other titles on the eligibility list include:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — The Movie: Infinity Castle
- Disney’s Elio
- Disney’s Zootopia 2
The official Oscar nominees for Best Animated Feature will be revealed on January 22, 2026.
Not Eligible for BAFTA Consideration
While the film secured Oscar eligibility, it did not qualify for the BAFTA Awards, according to Variety. BAFTA rules require at least 10 commercial screenings over seven cumulative days in the U.K.—a threshold the film did not meet.
KPop Demon Hunters had a two-day theatrical run on Aug. 23–24 in 264 British cinemas, followed by additional screenings during Halloween weekend from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, which fell short of the required total.
The Film’s Soundtrack Continues to Shine
The movie’s explosive popularity extends to its music. The soundtrack Golden has earned multiple nominations at the 68th Grammy Awards, including:
- Song of the Year
- Best Song Written for Visual Media
- Best Remixed Recording
- Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
A Global Success Story
Released worldwide on Netflix on June 20, KPop Demon Hunters quickly became the platform’s most viewed title ever, surpassing 300 million cumulative views—a first in Netflix history.
As fans eagerly await the Oscars announcement, KPop Demon Hunters continues to dominate global pop culture conversations, cementing its status as one of the most influential animated films of the year.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
