Oscar History in the Making: "KPop Demon Hunters" Leads Best Original Song Race as Final Predictions Solidify

Will "KPop Demon Hunters" make history or can "Sinners" pull an upset? Explore the final Oscar predictions for Best Original Song ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 12:23 PM EDT

Source: Variety

A Historic Moment for K-Pop

The 2026 Oscars are set to be a landmark event for the global music industry. "Golden," from the Netflix animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters, has officially become the first K-pop track to receive an Academy Award nomination. Performed by the group Huntr/x (comprising members EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), the song was a collaborative effort involving high-profile writers such as Teddy Park and Mark Sonnenblick. Its dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year have made it the statistical favorite to win the Oscar on March 15.

The Challenger: Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners"

While "Golden" holds the commercial lead, industry buzz suggests a tight race. Variety’s analysis of anonymous Oscar ballots indicates significant momentum for "I Lied to You" from the film Sinners. Written by Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson and veteran soul artist Raphael Saadiq, the track is a critical darling. Experts suggest that if Sinners performs strongly in the general categories, "I Lied to You" could benefit from a "down-ballot" surge, potentially causing one of the night's biggest upsets.

Transformative Analysis: The Globalization of Academy Standards

The 98th Oscars represent a definitive shift in the Academy’s musical palate. For decades, the Best Original Song category was dominated by traditional Broadway-style ballads or Disney anthems. The 2026 lineup, led by a K-pop powerhouse and a gritty soul track, reflects a successful effort to diversify the voting body. By nominating a song from Netflix’s most popular film of all time, the Academy is bridging the gap between critical prestige and populist appeal. This transformation ensures the Oscars remain relevant in a streaming-dominated era where digital chart performance is as influential as cinematic narrative.