KPop Demon Hunters qualifies for Oscar consideration after meeting eligibility requirements.

“Media News Source” reports that “KPop Demon Hunters,” the Netflix animated feature, has advanced in the race for recognition at the 98th Academy Awards. As announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the film is among 35 productions eligible for the animated feature film category.

The eligibility criteria for the Oscars require a qualifying theatrical run, which “KPop Demon Hunters” achieved with screenings in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June, fulfilling the necessary requirements set by the Academy. However, the film’s subsequent theatrical run in the United Kingdom did not meet the standards for consideration at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

In addition to “KPop Demon Hunters,” a variety of animated titles have also qualified for Oscar consideration. Noteworthy contenders include Neon’s “Arco,” Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” GKids’ “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” along with other titles from prominent studios such as Netflix’s “In Your Dreams” and Crunchyroll/Sony’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” and “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.” Interestingly, the successful Chinese animated feature “Ne Zha 2” did not make the list of eligible titles.

“KPop Demon Hunters” has garnered significant viewership on Netflix, achieving over 541 million hours viewed globally, a record for the streaming platform. The film has also gained attention on music charts, with its soundtrack topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025, featuring eight songs that have resonated with audiences. The film saw great success during its theatrical run in August, reportedly earning approximately million, making notable waves in box office metrics even before its Halloween re-release. This success follows Netflix’s win for Best Animated Feature with “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” at the 2022 Oscars.

The Academy has also released the list of eligible documentaries and international features, totaling 201 documentaries and 86 international films, which includes notable titles from various countries such as “Sentimental Value” (Norway), “Sirât” (Spain), and “My Father’s Shadow” (United Kingdom). A shortlist of ten films across these categories will be announced on December 16.

Fans of “KPop Demon Hunters” will have to wait until the morning of January 22 to learn of the film’s nomination status in the animated feature category. The film is also anticipated to be a contender in the original song category, with “Golden” being among the submissions. The 98th Oscars ceremony is set to air live on ABC on March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. The growing influence of films like “KPop Demon Hunters” reflects the evolving landscape of animation and popular culture in cinema.