The collaborative powerhouse from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters, dominated the 2026 Golden Globes with a double-victory performance. The film’s infectious anthem, “Golden,” secured the award for Best Original Song, triumphing over a competitive field that included “No Place Like Home” from Wicked: For Good, “The Girl in a Bubble,” and Sinners’ “I Lied to You.”
The accolades didn’t stop at the soundtrack. KPop Demon Hunters also claimed the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. In doing so, it outshone its formidable, demon-slaying rival: the high-octane anime epic Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.
Both contenders brought massive momentum to the ceremony. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle recently etched its name in history as the highest-grossing anime film of all time. By crossing the 100 billion yen milestone globally, it became the first Japanese production to reach such heights. Its box office dominance was so absolute that it outearned every Marvel and DC theatrical release in 2025, a staggering feat for any animated project.
Despite the box office prowess of the Demon Slayer franchise, KPop Demon Hunters proved to be an unstoppable cultural juggernaut. Since its June debut, the film has permeated the zeitgeist, scaling the Billboard charts and evolving into a genuine pop-culture phenomenon. The vocal talents behind the fictional group Huntr/x—Ejae (voicing Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey)—have transitioned into real-world entertainment icons. Their visibility has soared through high-profile appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a featured performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Ultimately, both films represent the pinnacle of modern animation. Though they cater to different demographics, they share a thematic core of battling darkness. While KPop Demon Hunters approaches the struggle with vibrant, upbeat melodies, Infinity Castle delivers a visceral, emotional journey as Tanjiro and his allies face off against Muzan’s demonic forces. Even for those who don’t typically consume anime, the sheer spectacle of Infinity Castle remains a must-see experience.
Source: Polygon
