Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang teared up accepting Best Animated Feature for KPop Demon Hunters at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, in Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.
The Netflix hit, KPop Demon Hunters, about a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits triumphed over Zootopia 2, Elio, Arco, and Little Amélie.
Co-directed with Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong, the film swept precursors like Critics Choice and Golden Globes, grossing $450 million globally.
Kang, in her first Oscar nomination/win, celebrated with voice actors including Lee Byung-hun onstage amid cheers.english.
Check the LIVE Oscars Winner 2026 List here.
Oscars 2026: Maggie Kang Tears Up as ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Wins Best Animated Feature
Maggie Kang burst into tears as the announcer revealed KPop Demon Hunters as Oscars Tonight Best Animated Feature, beating Disney/Pixar giants in a historic upset for Netflix's Korean-rooted animation.
While accepting the Oscar award, Kang said,” Thank you to the Academy and to all fans who got us here, and for those of you who look like me.”
Maggie also said, "I'm so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here. And that means that the next generations don't have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere," while dedicating her win to Koreans.
The KPop Demon Hunters crew, voice stars, and performers rushed onstage, hugging amid applause at Conan O'Brien's ceremony.
KPop Demon Hunters's Underdog Journey to Glory
KPop Demon Hunters follows Huntr/x, a fictional girl group wielding music against spirits, blending K-pop beats with high-stakes action that captivated worldwide.
Precursors validated its edge: Critics Choice Best Animated and Song ("Golden"), Golden Globes double win, positioning it as Oscar frontrunner.
Sony/Netflix co-production overcame skeptics, proving diverse stories dominate animation.
Cultural Milestone and Speeches
Kang's win marks the first for an Asian woman director in animation, echoing her 20-year pitch evolution from Sony concept to phenomenon.
She thanked teams for trusting Korean culture's universal appeal, while co-director Appelhans noted post-release celebrations.
"Golden" lost the Original Song but amplified the film's musical triumph, sparking Grammy buzz.
Also Read: Oscars Nominations 2026 Trivia: Why all Eyes are on Sinners?
Maggie Kang's teary victory inspires animation dreamers, cementing KPop Demon Hunters' legacy. Sequels loom with unstoppable momentum.
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