KPop Demon Hunters Wins ‘Best Animated Feature’ at the 31st Critics Choice Awards

Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ ignited the 2026 awards season with a massive victory.

The film swept the 31st ‘Critics Choice Awards’ in Santa Monica, securing prestigious trophies for both ‘Best Animated Feature’ and ‘Best Song’ for its standout hit track, ‘Golden.’

Directed by Maggie Kang, this overseas hit pulled off a stunning upset against industry titans.

By defeating powerhouses like Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ and Pixar’s ‘Elio’, the film proved that its vibrant K-pop aesthetic can stand tall against the traditional heavyweights of the animation world.

The story follows ‘HUNTR/X’, a chart-topping K-pop group featuring Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.

Beyond the stage lights, these global superstars live double lives as secret guardians. They defend their fans from supernatural threats while facing off against their demon rivals.

As a key predictor for Oscar glory, these awards fuel massive expectations for the March 15 ceremony.

With two shortlist spots already secured, the momentum is undeniable. ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is now a serious contender, poised to make history again on the world’s biggest cinematic stage.