Director of Kpop Demon Hunters Gives Emotional Oscars Speech on Representation

“KPop Demon Hunters” has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. The Netflix film has been dominating music charts and awards shows since last June and has now added an Oscar to its accolades. Director Maggie Kang accepted the film’s first Oscar alongside fellow director Chris Appelhans and producer Michelle L.M. Wong, with Kang delivering an emotional speech about representation. Kang expressed her gratitude to fans and emphasized the importance of representation for future generations. Appelhans encouraged emerging artists to stay true to themselves and their art, promising that there is an audience waiting for them. The Oscars featured an image of the film’s characters accepting the trophy. “KPop Demon Hunters” also won Best Animated Feature at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes, along with multiple Annie Awards. Its hit song “Golden” won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media and the Oscar for Best Music (Original Song).”