Could KPop Demon Hunters Be the Best Animated Film at the Golden Globes?

The Netflix mega-hit KPop Demon Hunters has made waves by winning a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, with its breakout anthem, “Golden,” also clinching the award for Best Original Song. This animated film, which follows a girl band called Huntr/x as they use music to battle evil forces, resonates deeply with themes of empowerment and self-acceptance, making it a cultural phenomenon since its June release.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of October 2023, KPop Demon Hunters has gained significant recognition in the film industry, particularly after its recent Golden Globe wins. This animated feature has not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but also set new records for Netflix, becoming the platform's most-watched film of all time within just two months of its release. The success of both the film and its music reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing diverse narratives and empowering themes, particularly those that resonate with younger audiences.

Key takeaways

KPop Demon Hunters won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden".
The film has become Netflix’s most-watched animated film within two months of its release.
Empowering themes of self-acceptance and community have resonated with viewers, particularly among young women.
Singer-songwriter Ejae, who co-wrote "Golden," dedicated her award to those facing rejection and challenges.
The film's success may generate Oscar buzz, with it being eligible for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Timeline: how we got here

Since its release, KPop Demon Hunters has achieved remarkable milestones:

June 2023: KPop Demon Hunters premieres on Netflix.
August 2023: The film becomes Netflix’s most-watched animated feature within two months.
October 2023: Wins Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden."
October 2023: Wins Best Animated Feature and Best Song at the Critics Choice Awards.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With the Golden Globe wins, KPop Demon Hunters is now firmly positioned as a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. This recognition highlights the film's impact on both the animation genre and its cultural significance.

What was already established

Prior to the Golden Globe wins, KPop Demon Hunters had already garnered attention for its innovative storytelling and relatable themes. The film's ability to connect with audiences through its narrative and music was evident from the enthusiastic reception it received at its premiere.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The film’s success is likely to influence viewing trends in the UK, with more audiences seeking out animated features that offer deeper narratives and representation. As streaming services continue to grow, projects like KPop Demon Hunters will impact how content is produced and marketed to UK viewers.

Businesses and jobs

The recognition of KPop Demon Hunters may boost interest in animated projects within the UK, potentially leading to increased investment in animation studios and projects focusing on diverse storytelling. This could result in more job opportunities in the creative sector.

Policy and regulation

The film's success comes at a time when UK policymakers are considering new regulations to support the creative industries. The recognition of such diverse narratives may encourage further funding and support for projects that showcase underrepresented voices.

Numbers that matter

2 months: Time taken for KPop Demon Hunters to become Netflix’s most-watched animated film.
1: Number of Golden Globe wins for Best Animated Feature.
1: Number of Golden Globe wins for Best Original Song for "Golden."
35: Number of films eligible for the animated feature category at the upcoming Oscars.
8: Position of the song "Your Idol" on the Billboard Hot 100.

Definitions and jargon buster

K-pop: A genre of popular music originating from South Korea that is characterised by a wide variety of audiovisual elements.
Golden Globe Awards: An annual awards ceremony that honours excellence in film and television, widely seen as a precursor to the Academy Awards.
Academy Awards (Oscars): An annual awards ceremony, recognising excellence in cinematic achievements.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift towards the Academy Awards as speculation grows around KPop Demon Hunters' potential nominations. Fans and industry experts will be closely watching for any announcements regarding shortlisted films.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the Oscar nominations are announced, the film will continue to generate buzz, further influencing its viewership and sales. The success may encourage more studios to invest in similar projects that challenge traditional storytelling norms.

Signals to watch

Announcement of Oscar nominations, expected in January 2024.
Box office performance and streaming figures post-Golden Globe wins.
Responses and reviews from critics and audiences regarding the film's cultural impact.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch KPop Demon Hunters to experience its unique storytelling and musical elements.
Engage with discussions about representation in media and animation.
Support projects that focus on diverse narratives and themes.

Don’t

Ignore the cultural significance of films like KPop Demon Hunters in shaping future narratives.
Dismiss the importance of awards as indicators of quality and impact.
Overlook the role of music in storytelling within animated features.

Checklist

Have you watched KPop Demon Hunters yet?
Are you following updates on the Academy Awards?
Have you explored the music featured in the film?
Are you engaging with communities discussing representation in animation?
Have you considered supporting similar projects in the future?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While KPop Demon Hunters has achieved significant recognition, it is important to consider that the film industry can be unpredictable. The film's future at the Oscars remains uncertain until nominations are announced, and it may face competition from other films that also explore similar themes. Additionally, public perception can shift over time, impacting the film's legacy.

Bottom line

KPop Demon Hunters has successfully resonated with audiences through its empowering themes and engaging narrative, earning it critical acclaim and multiple awards. Its success at the Golden Globes enhances its prospects for the Academy Awards and highlights the growing appetite for diverse stories in animation. Moving forward, the film serves as a benchmark for future projects aiming to connect with audiences on important cultural issues.

FAQs

What is KPop Demon Hunters about?

KPop Demon Hunters is an animated film that follows a girl band, Huntr/x, as they use their music to save the world from evil forces, while tackling themes of empowerment and self-acceptance.

Who won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song?

The Golden Globe for Best Original Song was awarded to Ejae for her song "Golden," which is featured in KPop Demon Hunters.

What recognition has KPop Demon Hunters received?

KPop Demon Hunters has won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, alongside accolades at the Critics Choice Awards, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.