KPop Demon Hunters Scores 10 Annie Award Nods for Animation, Music, and More

KPop Demon Hunters has taken the animation world by storm, earning a remarkable 10 nominations at the Annie Awards. The film ’s blend of dynamic storytelling, captivating music, and stunning visuals has not only won over audiences but also caught the attention of industry professionals. The Annie Awards, often considered the highest honor in animation, celebrate outstanding work across film, television, and even video games.

Among the major categories where KPop Demon Hunters is recognized are Best Feature, Best Music, and Best Voice Acting. The film’s creative team and cast have been highlighted for their exceptional contributions, with nominations spanning nearly every key area of production.

Major Nominations and Creative Talent

The full list of nominations showcases the depth of talent behind the film. For Best Feature, Sony Pictures Animation is recognized for its work with Netflix. The Best FX - Feature category includes Filippo Macari, Nicola Finizio, Simon Lewis, Naoki Kato, and Daniel La Chapelle from Sony Pictures Imageworks. Ryusuke Furuya is nominated for Best Character Animation, while Scott Watanabe and Ami Thompson are up for Best Character Design.

Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are in the running for Best Direction. The film’s music team is nominated for Best Music, and the production design team—Helen Chen, Dave Bleich, Wendell Dalit, Scott Watanabe, and Celine Kim—are recognized for their work as well. Arden Cho, who voices the character Rumi, is nominated for Best Voice Acting. The writing team, including Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans, is up for Best Writing, and the editorial team is nominated for Best Editorial.

Industry Recognition and Notable Omissions

The only major category where KPop Demon Hunters did not receive a nomination is Best Storyboarding. In a notable comparison, Pixar ’s Elio also received 10 nominations, sharing nine categories with KPop Demon Hunters. However, Elio was nominated for Best Storyboarding but missed out on Best Music.

The film’s soundtrack has played a significant role in its global popularity. The hit song ‘Golden’ has climbed the charts, while ‘What it Sounds Like’ has been named one of the standout tracks of 2025.

Streaming Success and Audience Appeal

As KPop Demon Hunters continues to stream on Netflix, its reach and influence only grow. The film’s unique combination of high-energy music, engaging characters, and top-tier animation has made it a favorite among viewers and critics alike. With its impressive list of Annie Award nominations, the movie stands as a testament to the creative power and global appeal of animated storytelling.