Oscars 2026: 'KPop Demon Hunters' cast interrupted during winning speech
What's the story
The Netflix animated musical fantasy film, KPop Demon Hunters, bagged two awards at the 2026 Oscars on Monday (IST). It won Best Original Song for Golden and Best Animated Feature. However, the winners were rudely interrupted while giving their acceptance speeches. While singer Ejae's speech went smoothly while receiving the honor for Golden, the music started playing before other cast members could speak. Despite her request for more time, the music continued, and the lights were turned off.
Acceptance speech
The team was interrupted twice
A similar incident occurred earlier in the ceremony when KPop Demon Hunters was awarded Best Animated Feature. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with producer Michelle L.M. Wong, were cut off during their acceptance speech. Despite the music starting to play before they finished speaking, it eventually quieted down enough for them to complete their remarks.
Twitter Post
See the clip here
This was so disrespectful @TheAcademy#Oscarspic.twitter.com/VZjWxKx8Lc
— 𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚔 (@arikbeyhive) March 16, 2026
Cultural significance
'I'm so sorry that it took us so long...'
During their speech, Kang, who hails from South Korea, expressed, "And for those of you who look like me, I'm so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this." "But it is here, and that means that the next generations don't have to go longing." Appelhans highlighted that movies can "connect us as humans across cultures and borders."
Fan reactions
Fans slam Academy for disrespecting 'KPop Demon Hunters' winners
Despite the success of KPop Demon Hunters, fans were disappointed that the winners were interrupted during their speeches. Many took to social media to voice their frustration. One user on X, "please let the man finish his speech... this can't be the way to celebrate such big cultural phenomenon." Another wrote, "This was so disrespectful @TheAcademy #Oscars." To note, all winners usually get about 45 seconds to deliver their winning speeches.