The line between streaming phenomenon and Hollywood prestige has just blurred even further. Netflix’s animated blockbuster, KPop Demon Hunters, has officially landed a spot among the 35 eligible films competing for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Released by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on last Friday, this announcement confirms the film’s status as a major contender and highlights the ongoing evolution of awards season.
The Strict Path to Oscar Qualification
For a film born on a streaming platform like Netflix to qualify for the Oscars, it must satisfy a strict, albeit brief, theatrical exhibition requirement. Though the film became the streaming giant’s most-watched film of all time, its eligibility hinges on a successful qualifying run. This was achieved with screenings in key U.S. markets—specifically New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco—which took place in June.
This theatrical strategy fulfilled the Academy’s rules for Oscar consideration, securing the film’s place on the eligibility list. This is particularly notable when considering the movie’s different awards fate overseas: its theatrical run in the UK was not enough to meet the separate qualification standards for the BAFTAs, underscoring the different hoops films must jump through globally.
Built on a Mountain of Success
The true strength of the film’s campaign lies in its massive, proven success metrics. KPop Demon Hunters has amassed an astounding figure of over 541 million hours viewed worldwide, a metric that speaks volumes about its cultural footprint. Beyond viewership, its soundtrack has been a chart juggernaut. It holds the title of the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025, with an incredible eight of its songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
The film also demonstrated box office power, with an estimated theatrical earning of $18 million during its main run in August, followed by a subsequent release over Halloween weekend. This combination of streaming dominance, musical triumph, and demonstrated theatrical appeal positions it as a formidable competitor. Netflix has a history here, having previously won the Animated Feature Oscar in 2022 for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
What’s Next in the Race?
While eligibility is a major win, the film still faces stiff competition from other animation powerhouses, including Disney’s Elio and Zootopia 2, and titles from GKids and Crunchyroll/Sony. With 35 films on the list, the Animation Branch now votes to determine the final five nominees. The core message remains clear: KPop Demon Hunters, a massive streaming and music success, has successfully met the strict theatrical requirements to qualify for the Best Animated Feature category, making it a serious contender for Hollywood’s highest honor.
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