Netflix's animated feature, 'KPop Demon Hunters,' has officially secured its eligibility for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. This development positions the film, helmed by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, among a competitive field of animated titles vying for a coveted Oscar nomination.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released its list of eligible films on November 21, local time, encompassing 35 registered titles for review in the animated feature category. 'KPop Demon Hunters' appears on this extensive list alongside high-profile productions such as Disney's 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2.' Japanese animated features, including 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle' and 'Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,' also feature prominently among the eligible contenders.
To meet the Academy's stringent eligibility criteria, 'KPop Demon Hunters' undertook limited theatrical screenings in major U.S. markets including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this past June. This strategic move allowed the film to qualify for the prestigious awards consideration, despite its exclusion from the BAFTA Awards race. The industry's attention now shifts to whether the Netflix production will advance from the eligibility list to secure an official nomination in the highly competitive category.