KPop Demon Hunters Oscar Nominations: Two Big Nods for a Netflix Hit

Intermediate | February 6, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

KPop Demon Hunters Oscar Nominations: A Surprise That’s Actually Earned

If you’ve been hearing the title KPop Demon Hunters everywhere lately, here’s why: the animated Netflix film just scored two Academy Award nominations. The nominations are for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the track “Golden.” (The Korea Times / Yonhap)

What Exactly Did It Get Nominated For?

According to the announcement of the 98th Academy Awards nominees, the film is officially in the running for Best Animated Feature, and “Golden” is competing for Best Original Song. Netflix’s own awards update confirmed the same two categories and highlighted how fast the film has built momentum since its release. (Netflix Tudum)

Why These Nominations Matter (Even If You’re Not a Movie Nerd)

Two nominations might sound like “just awards,” but in business terms, this is a serious credibility boost. It tells the market (and the Academy) that this film isn’t just popular—it’s also respected for craft. Industry coverage also noted that the movie has already picked up major awards-season momentum, including recognition at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, which can help keep a project top-of-mind when Oscar voters finalize decisions. (Netflix Tudum; Los Angeles Times)

The “Golden” Factor: Music as the Competitive Edge

The song “Golden” isn’t just background music—it’s part of the film’s identity. When an animated movie earns a Best Original Song nomination, it usually means the music connected with audiences beyond the screen. That’s one reason these KPop Demon Hunters Oscar nominations feel like more than a lucky break: the film’s music and storytelling are moving together as one package. (Netflix Tudum)

What Happens Next

Now the film heads into the final stretch of awards season with real leverage. In plain English: two nominations create more press, more streams, more conversation, and more long-term value for the brand. Whether it wins or not, the KPop Demon Hunters Oscar nominations signal that K-pop-inspired global pop culture is no longer “niche”—it’s main stage.

Vocabulary

nomination (noun) — being officially named as a candidate for an award.
Example: The film earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature.
contend (verb) — to compete for something.
Example: “Golden” will contend for Best Original Song.
momentum (noun) — growing strength or progress that becomes easier to continue.
Example: The movie has momentum going into awards season.
credibility (noun) — trust and respect based on proven quality.
Example: Oscar nominations can add credibility to a project.
announcement (noun) — an official statement made publicly.
Example: The nominations were revealed in a livestream announcement.
in the running (phrase) — still able to win; being considered.
Example: The film is in the running for a major Oscar.
recognition (noun) — public praise or official notice.
Example: The film received recognition at earlier award shows.
category (noun) — a specific group or type used for classification.
Example: Best Original Song is one Oscar category.
leverage (noun/verb) — advantage you can use to get better results.
Example: The nominations give the film leverage in publicity.
top-of-mind (adjective) — remembered first; hard to ignore.
Example: More headlines keep the movie top-of-mind for voters.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What two categories did KPop Demon Hunters get nominated for?
Why do you think “Golden” stood out enough to earn an Oscar nomination?
How can awards nominations change the way people view a movie?
What does it mean when a project has “momentum” in awards season?
Do you think popularity should matter for awards? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think Korean pop culture has become so influential globally?
What makes an animated film feel “serious” or “high quality” to you?
Do awards help viewers choose what to watch, or do they mostly help the industry?
What’s a song from a movie that you still remember years later? Why?
If you made a film, what would be your best strategy to get global attention?

Related Idiom

“Steal the spotlight” — to get the most attention in a group.

Example: With two nominations, KPop Demon Hunters stole the spotlight in animation headlines.

📢 Want more learner-friendly news like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

Want to finally Master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is the course for you! Check it out now!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips.

This article was inspired by: The Korea Times (via Yonhap, Jan 22, 2026), Netflix Tudum (Jan 22, 2026), and Los Angeles Times (Jan 22, 2026)