KPop Demon Hunters Scores Big at Annie Awards with 10 Nods

KPop Demon Hunters has made quite a splash, picking up a whopping 10 nominations at the Annie Awards, which are often seen as the top honours in the animation world. The film’s blend of catchy tunes, sharp visuals, and a gripping storyline has clearly struck a chord with both punters and industry insiders alike. With nominations in nearly every major category, it’s safe to say the film’s been turning heads since its release.

The Annie Awards, sometimes called the animation world’s answer to the Oscars, celebrate standout achievements across animated films, telly, video games, and even special effects in live-action flicks. This year, KPop Demon Hunters is right up there with the best, earning nods in categories that cover everything from direction to music and voice work.

Major Nominations and Creative Talent

The film’s haul includes a nomination for Best Feature, with Sony Pictures Animation producing for Netflix. The technical side hasn’t been overlooked either, with Best FX - Feature recognising the work of Filippo Macari, Nicola Finizio, Simon Lewis, Naoki Kato, and Daniel La Chapelle. Ryusuke Furuya’s efforts in character animation have also been singled out.

Character design is another area where the film shines, with Scott Watanabe and Ami Thompson up for Best Character Design - Feature. Direction is in the spotlight too, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans nominated for Best Direction - Feature. The music team behind the film is in the running for Best Music - Feature, while the production design team—Helen Chen, Dave Bleich, Wendell Dalit, Scott Watanabe, and Celine Kim—are up for Best Production Design - Feature.

Voice Acting and Writing Recognition

Voice acting hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Arden Cho nominated for Best Voice Acting - Feature for her role as Rumi. The writing team—Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans—are also in the mix for Best Writing - Feature. The editorial team rounds out the list with a nod for Best Editorial - Feature.

The only major category where the film missed out was Best Storyboarding. Interestingly, Pixar’s Elio also landed 10 nominations, sharing nine categories with KPop Demon Hunters. Elio picked up a nomination for Best Storyboarding, but missed out on Best Music, showing just how competitive the field is this year.

Music’s Role in the Film’s Success

The soundtrack has played a massive part in the film’s popularity around the globe. The standout track ‘Golden’ has climbed to the top of the charts, while ‘What it Sounds Like’ has been named among the best songs of 2025. The music’s impact is clear, helping the film reach audiences far beyond its original fanbase.

For those keen to check it out, KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix. If you’re after more recommendations, there are plenty of other top shows to discover on the platform right now.