'Golden' from Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' makes Oscars shortlist
What's the story
Netflix's animated sensation, KPop Demon Hunters, features the song Golden, which has made it to the Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song. Released in June, KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix's biggest animated original feature, and now its music is getting major recognition. The Academy announced Golden as one of just 15 songs still in contention for this prestigious award. The ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Song details
'Golden' features a star-studded lineup
Golden features vocals by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI. The song was written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, with production from 24, Ido, Teddy Park, and Ian Eisendrath. The animated film was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. It also features voice performances by Arden Cho and Daniel Dae Kim.
Film synopsis
'KPop Demon Hunters' plot and voice cast
KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of a K-pop girl group, Huntrix, who lead double lives as idols by day and demon hunters by night. Their lives change when a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, takes over their fandom. The film features voice performances by Ahn Hyo Seop, May Hong, Ji Young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, and Lee Byung Hun, among others.
Upcoming events
Oscars: What are the other shortlisted songs?
Apart from Golden, two songs (The Girl in the Bubble, No Place Like Home) from Wicked: For Good and two from Sinners (Last Time (I Seen The Sun), I Lied To You) have been shortlisted. Other mentions are As Alive As You Need Me To Be, Dear Me, Dream As One, Drive, Dying To Live, Highest 2 Lowest, Our Love, Salt Then Sour Then Sweet, Sweet Dreams Of Joy, Train Dreams. The nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026.