Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters Eligible for Oscar Animated Category

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Friday that the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters is eligible for consideration in the best animated feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, set for March 15, 2026. The film joins 34 other titles on the list of qualifiers, marking a significant milestone for the streaming giant's most-viewed movie to date.

Released primarily on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters met the Academy's eligibility criteria through a limited theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June. This qualifying exhibition satisfied the organization's rules, which require a seven-day commercial run in a major city for animated features. In contrast, the film's theatrical release in the United Kingdom did not meet the standards for British Academy Film Awards consideration.

The film's popularity has been immense since its debut. Netflix reported that it accumulated more than 541 million hours of global viewing time, surpassing all other titles in the platform's history. Its soundtrack dominated charts in 2025, becoming the year's highest-ranking album with eight tracks reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The movie also performed...