Golden Globe Wins for 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'Sinners' Influence Oscar Race Predictions

On January 15, 2026, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ won Golden Globes for Best Original Song and Best Score, respectively. This success highlights a significant trend as the Oscars approach, indicating the potential for an international influence on this year’s Academy Awards.

This marks the second year in a row where K-pop artists have garnered major accolades at the Golden Globes. In 2025, the song ‘Midnight City’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ also won in the same category, suggesting a growing acceptance of genre diversity in Hollywood.

According to industry sources, nominees for Best Original Song at the Oscars often parallel Golden Globe winners approximately 70% of the time. This correlation positions ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ favorably ahead of the Oscar nominations announcement on January 23, 2026.

Moreover, the historical context is notable. In 2018, when ‘Coco’ won these Golden Globes, it went on to receive the Oscar not just for Best Original Song but also for Best Animated Feature. Such patterns suggest ‘Sinners,’ featuring prominent K-pop artists, could similarly follow suit.

Katie and Keith noted that this year’s Golden Globes attracted significant attention. The event highlighted the impact of streaming platforms like Netflix, which released both projects. Prior to these awards, Netflix invested heavily in diverse content—including K-dramas and films—widely considered a transformative factor in the industry.

The producers of ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ who previously worked on the critically acclaimed ‘Squid Game,’ are eyeing the Oscars with interest. If nominated, it can strengthen Netflix’s bid for dominance in competitive categories, particularly as it transitions to emphasize diverse storytelling.

The last time an animated film with music rooted in cultural specificity won an Oscar was with ‘Frozen II’ in 2020. Observers now wonder if the Academy’s perspective may shift further in favor of eclectic genres like K-pop, signaling broader acceptance of global musical influences.

Looking ahead, the upcoming weeks will be critical for both projects. With Oscar nominations set to be revealed soon, both ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ will likely intensify their promotional campaigns. Their growth trajectory, mirrored by past trends, could ameliorate the Oscar landscape.

As this year unfolds, whether these K-pop hits will translate into Oscar nominations will depend on their ongoing campaigns and industry reception. The dynamics suggest a shift, affirming that diverse representations can indeed make profound impacts on the industry's most prestigious honors.