In a landmark victory for representation and animation, the Netflix musical adventure 'KPop Demon Hunters' has claimed top honours at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. The film secured the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, and its signature track 'Golden' won Best Original Song. This double triumph follows the film's recent success at the Critics Choice Awards just a week prior.
A Historic Win for Director Maggie Kang
The win for Best Animated Motion Picture is particularly significant as it makes director Maggie Kang the first Asian woman ever to win in this category at the Golden Globes. The film triumphed over strong contenders including 'Arco', 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', 'Elio', 'Little Amelie or the Character of Rain', and 'Zootopia 2'.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Kang expressed deep gratitude and shed light on the film's core vision. She emphasized the team's desire to portray female characters authentically. "Through this film, we really wanted to depict female characters - the way that we know women, which is really strong and bold, really silly and weird, and really hungry for food and sometimes a little thirsty," Kang stated.
'Golden' Creates Music History
Adding to the night's glory, the film's song 'Golden' made history as the first K-pop track to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Performed by HUNTR/X, a group comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the song beat out competition from tracks in major films like 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', 'Wicked: For Good', and 'Train Dreams'.
Singer and songwriter EJAE delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on her personal journey of rejection and resilience. "When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream, to become a K-pop idol, and I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough. And so I had leaned on songs and music to get through it," she shared.
"So, now I'm here as a singer and a songwriter. It's a dream-come-true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other queens and everyone of all ages to get through their hardship to accept themselves," EJAE added. She dedicated the award to everyone facing closed doors, confidently asserting that "rejection is redirection."
Unprecedented Popularity and Success
The Golden Globe recognition caps off an incredible run for the film, which is a collaboration between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. The story follows Huntrix, a K-pop girl group that secretly battles underworld monsters.
'KPop Demon Hunters' has emerged as Netflix's most popular title to date. Its commercial success extends beyond streaming; the film's soundtrack spent several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. Furthermore, the award-winning single 'Golden' reached the coveted number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, proving its massive crossover appeal.
This dual victory at the Golden Globes not only celebrates artistic achievement but also marks a pivotal moment for diversity and the global reach of K-pop inspired storytelling.
