The 2026 Academy Awards have officially concluded, delivering a landmark night for music in cinema. As the 98th Oscars ceremony unfolded, the industry celebrated a diverse array of sonic achievements, with the evening’s top honors in music going to two distinct but equally powerful projects: Kpop Demon Hunters and the critically acclaimed drama Sinners.
A Historic Win for K-Pop
The night’s most significant milestone occurred when “Golden,” the infectious hit from the film Kpop Demon Hunters, secured the Oscar for Best Original Song. In a historic first for the Academy, this win marks the first time a K-pop track has taken home the gold in this category. The song, written by Ejae and Mark Sonnenblick, was performed live on the Oscars stage by the trio Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, providing one of the most energetic moments of the broadcast.
The momentum behind Kpop Demon Hunters was undeniable throughout the awards season, having already swept the category at the Golden Globes, the Grammys, and the Critics Choice Awards. To cap off the night, the film also claimed the award for Best Animated Feature.
Ludwig Göransson Makes History with Sinners
In the category of Best Original Score, composer Ludwig Göransson continued his extraordinary run, winning for his evocative work on Sinners. This victory establishes Göransson as the first composer in the 21st century to win the Best Score Oscar three separate times. The win follows a string of accolades for the composer, including a BAFTA for Best Original Music.
During his acceptance speech, Göransson offered a glimpse into his creative process, highlighting the unique instrumentation he utilized for the project. He specifically credited a 1932 dobro for the score’s distinct sound, an instrument he recently showcased during an appearance on CBS Mornings.
A Night of Milestones and Tributes
The Best Original Song category was particularly competitive this year, featuring nominees like Diane Warren’s “Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless and the Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner collaboration “Train Dreams.” Unfortunately for Warren, the night resulted in a bittersweet record: she has now set the record for the most Oscar nominations without a single win, a testament to her prolific but elusive pursuit of the statuette.
As the curtains close on the 2026 Oscars, the evening will be remembered for its recognition of global pop culture and the continued dominance of visionary composers like Göransson. From the vibrant performances of the Kpop Demon Hunters cast to the heartfelt speeches of the night’s winners, this year’s Academy Awards proved that music remains the heartbeat of the cinematic experience.
