KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” Soars Towards Oscar Glory with Five Grammy Nods
Netflix’s unexpected blockbuster, KPop Demon Hunters, has defied all expectations, ascending from a streaming release to a potential Academy Award contender. The musical fantasy, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has become the platform’s biggest movie in history, racking up over 325 million views and prompting a rare theatrical run. But it’s the film’s music, spearheaded by the fictional group HUNTR/X, that has truly captivated audiences and now finds itself at the center of awards season buzz.
The impact of KPop Demon Hunters extends far beyond the screen, with HUNTR/X achieving unprecedented success on the Billboard Hot 100. Four of their tracks – “Golden,” “Soda Pop,” “Your Idol,” and “How It’s Done” – simultaneously landed in the top ten, marking a historic feat for the group and the genre. Now, the film’s soundtrack has earned five Grammy nominations, including a coveted nod for Song of the Year for “Golden,” propelling singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami towards a potential trip to Hollywood.
The trio, who voice the characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, recently spoke with Collider’s Aidan Kelley following the nominations announcement, discussing the surreal possibility of performing at the Oscars. “Golden,” co-written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, is considered a strong contender in the Best Original Song category, facing competition from films like Sinners and The Testament of Ann Lee.
The Academy’s decision to forgo live performances at the 2025 ceremony proved unpopular, and many anticipate a return to tradition for the 2026 show. Given the song’s chart-topping success and Grammy recognition, “Golden” is increasingly viewed as a prime candidate for a live performance.
However, the prospect is understandably daunting for the singers. “I would be so nervous!” EJAE admitted. Her fellow HUNTR/X members echoed the sentiment, with Ami stating, “I’d be mortified, honestly,” and EJAE adding that it would be “nerve-racking.” The rapid ascent of KPop Demon Hunters still feels unreal to the group, particularly considering the film’s relative obscurity prior to its June release.
“To be in that space and that room, even as artists, it just seemed so far away,” Ami reflected. “I thought it would take me forever to walk up to that door and get there. Now, people are like, ‘You guys might be nominated! You guys might perform.’ I’m like, what are you talking about?”
Despite their initial shock, the singers are embracing the possibility and playfully contemplating the star-studded audience they might face. They joked about the potential of performing for Hollywood icons like Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio, with EJAE quipping, “Like, are you kidding me? That’s too much.” Ami confessed she might “lose my mind” if Pedro Pascal were in attendance, while EJAE joked she’d need to remove her contact lenses to cope.
Fortunately, they already have one high-profile fan in their corner. According to Nuna, Emma Stone is a devoted listener of “Golden.” The prospect of the Poor Things star singing along – or even joining them onstage – has the trio particularly excited. “Can we bring her up? Make her sing it?” EJAE wondered, expressing her hope that “she’s on stage when we bring her up.”
Regardless of the outcome at the Oscars, EJAE, Nuna, and Ami are guaranteed a return to the world of KPop Demon Hunters. A sequel is already in development from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, slated for release in 2029. While details remain scarce, it’s anticipated that the original cast – including Arden Cho as Rumi, May Hong as Mira, and Ji-young Yoo as Zoey – will reprise their roles, alongside Ahn Hyo-seop, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun.
KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned to Collider for further updates on the future of this groundbreaking hit.
