KPop Demon Hunters Wins Best Animated Film & Song at Golden Globes

The Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters" won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, making director Maggie Kang the first Asian woman to win in the category. Its song "Golden," performed by HUNTR/X, also won Best Original Song, marking the first K-pop song to receive the honor. Singer EJAE dedicated the award to those facing rejection, sharing her personal journey. The film, a collaboration between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, is Netflix's most popular title to date.

Key Points: KPop Demon Hunters Wins Golden Globes for Animation, Song

  • Wins Best Animated Motion Picture
  • First Asian woman director wins category
  • 'Golden' is first K-pop song to win
  • Film is Netflix's most popular title
  • Follows Critics Choice Awards victory
3 min read

'KPop Demon Hunters' takes home 'Best Animated Motion Picture' at 2026 Golden Globes, 'Golden' wins 'Original Song'

Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' wins Best Animated Motion Picture & Best Original Song at the 2026 Golden Globes, making history.

"rejection is redirection, and so never give up. - EJAE"

Los Angeles, January 12

Fresh off taking over the Critics Choice Awards, 'KPop Demon Hunters' has now won big at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.

The Netflix musical adventure took home the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, followed by Best Original Song for its signature track 'Golden'.

'KPop Demon Hunters' triumphed over the likes of 'Arco', 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', 'Elio', 'Little Amelie or the Character of Rain', and 'Zootopia 2', to pick up the coveted trophy, making director Maggie Kang the first Asian woman to win in the category.

In her speech, Kang expressed deep gratitude and said, "Through this film, we really wanted to depict female characters - the way that we know women, which is really strong and bold, really silly and weird, and really hungry for food and sometimes a little thirsty."

In a double treat, the film's song 'Golden' emerged as the first K-pop song to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI), the song competed against 'Dream as One' (Avatar: Fire and Ash), 'I Lied to You (Sinners), 'No Place Like Home' and 'The Girl in the Bubble (Wicked: For Good), and 'Train Dreams' (Train Dreams).

An emotional EJAE, in her acceptance speech, reflected on facing rejections and struggles in finding a purpose.

"When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream, to become a K-pop idol, and I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough. And so I had leaned on songs and music to get through it. So, now I'm here as a singer and a songwriter. It's a dream-come-true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other queens and everyone of all ages to get through their hardship to accept themselves," she said.

She went on to dedicate the award to everyone who "has their doors closed at them, and that, I can confidently say 'rejection is redirection,' and so never give up."

The Golden Globe feat arrived just a week after 'KPop Demon Hunter' won the Best Animated Feature and another prize for 'Golden' at the Critics Choice Awards.

KPop Demon Hunters, a collaboration between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, follows the adventures of Huntrix, a K-pop girl group that secretly battles monsters from the underworld, as per the outlet.

The film has emerged as Netflix's most popular title to date. Its soundtrack spent several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, while Golden reached the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My daughter is obsessed with this movie and the song 'Golden'. She plays it on loop. It's great to see a K-pop song getting global recognition at this level. The message of "rejection is redirection" is something we should all teach our kids.
A
Aman W
Honestly, while I'm happy for the win, I'm a bit disappointed an Indian animated film wasn't even in the running. We have such rich mythology that could make for amazing stories. Hope our studios get this kind of global platform soon.
S
Sarah B
Watched it with my family in Mumbai. The animation is top-notch and the music is incredibly catchy. It's a fun, empowering film. Netflix is really delivering quality content that appeals worldwide.
V
Vikram M
The fusion of K-pop and monster hunting is genius! It's refreshing to see an animated film break the usual princess mold. The success shows there's a huge appetite for diverse stories. More power to the team!
K
Kavya N
EJAE's speech had me emotional. The struggle is so real, especially in creative fields. To go from rejection to winning a Golden Globe... what a journey! This win is for every dreamer out there. ✨

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