The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of historic wins and celebrated cinematic achievements, with the global phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters” and the critically acclaimed score for “Sinners” emerging as major victors. The infectious track “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” made waves by securing the Oscar for Best Original Song, marking a significant milestone as the first K-pop song to ever win in this prestigious category. The win was shared among the song’s seven credited writers: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park. This monumental achievement underscores the growing global influence of K-pop in mainstream entertainment.
Adding to the night’s triumphs, the evocative score for “Sinners” was honored with the Academy Award for Best Score. Composer Ludwig Göransson, a three-time Oscar winner, accepted the award, adding this accolade to his previous wins for “Black Panther” and “Oppenheimer.” This marks another significant achievement for Göransson in the realm of film scoring.
The animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters,” a cultural juggernaut that has dominated streaming charts and garnered widespread critical acclaim, also secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The film, which follows a fictional K-pop girl group who are also demon hunters, has resonated with audiences worldwide, celebrated for its vibrant animation, empowering themes, and catchy soundtrack.
EJAE, one of the writers of “Golden,” expressed her emotions during the acceptance speech, stating, “This award is not about success, it’s about resilience.” She also highlighted the significance of the song’s Korean lyrics and its ability to connect with a diverse global audience. “For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here. That means the next generations don’t have to go longing,” said Maggie Kang, the film’s co-writer and co-director, during a previous acceptance speech for the film’s animated feature win.
The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” at the Oscars caps off a remarkable awards season for the film. It previously swept major awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Song at the Critics Choice Awards, and Best Animated Motion Picture and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. Furthermore, the soundtrack earned a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, making it the first-ever Grammy win for a K-pop song.
Ludwig Göransson’s win for “Sinners” further solidifies his reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most compelling composers. His work on “Sinners” was recognized over strong competition, including nominations for Jerskin Fendrix (“Bugonia”), Max Richter (“Hamnet”), Jonny Greenwood (“One Battle After Another”), and Alexandre Desplat (“Frankenstein”). Göransson’s ability to craft scores that are both artistically rich and emotionally resonant continues to earn him accolades.
The convergence of these wins at the 98th Academy Awards celebrates not only the artistic merit of “Golden” and “Sinners” but also the expanding diversity and global reach of cinematic storytelling. The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” serves as an inspiration, proving that impactful narratives and innovative music can transcend cultural boundaries and achieve universal acclaim.
