“KPop Demon Hunters” became one of the major topics in global entertainment after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed its eligibility for the Best Animated Feature category at the 98th Oscars. The announcement was released on Friday and included 35 animated titles that met the Academy’s screening rules. The film completed its qualifying run in June in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, which satisfied the requirement for theatrical exhibition. Lists for the documentary and international feature races were also revealed, showing more than 200 documentaries and 86 international submissions. The animated category gained further attention because “KPop Demon Hunters” already recorded more than 541 million hours viewed on Netflix, making it one of the most successful releases on the platform this year.

Industry experts explained that the film’s strong performance created an eminent position for awards season. Analysts noted that the soundtrack, which sent eight songs to the Billboard Hot 100, strengthened its artistic impact. Estimates from theater observers showed that the film made around $18 million during its August screenings, a result that would have reached the top of box-office charts if Netflix reported its numbers publicly. This development increased expectations for another nomination in the original song category, where the track “Golden” was submitted. The Academy will release the final list of nominees on January 22, while the 98th Oscars will air live on March 15. Supporters of the film are watching closely because the project demonstrated meticulous production work, resonant themes, and a compelling narrative style that contributed to its worldwide appeal. Its trajectory also reflects the transformative growth of animated films in major award competitions and shows how streamers can shape a more interconnected global audience.