Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Loses Animated Film Golden Globe to KPop Demon Hunters

The 2026 Golden Globes delivered a major upset in the Best Motion Picture - Animated category as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle failed to secure the award. The high-stakes trilogy film from ufotable was nominated but ultimately lost the trophy to the surprise winner, KPop Demon Hunters.

The loss marks the first official setback for the Demon Slayer franchise in 2026, despite the film’s massive global box office success following its theatrical debut late last year. The nomination itself was a significant milestone, marking the franchise’s debut nod from the Golden Globes.

KPop Demon Hunters clinched the win by successfully merging K-pop idol aesthetics with straight demon-slaying action. The directing team, composed of animation veterans and music video specialists, reportedly impressed voters by seamlessly integrating slick choreography and catchy tracks directly into the fight sequences. The film initially debuted as a streaming exclusive before receiving a limited theatrical release.

Fans of Demon Slayer flooded social media immediately after the announcement. Infinity Castle covers the manga's climactic arc, featuring the signature fluid animation expected from ufotable, particularly during the epic Tanjiro versus Muzan confrontations. Aniplex and Toho producers publicly stated they were proud of the nomination and hinted that more awards consideration is expected down the line for the franchise.

The victory for KPop Demon Hunters signals a growing international appetite for genre mashups, edging out established heavyweights like Demon Slayer. While some anime purists voiced displeasure online, the win undeniably shines a spotlight on expanding creative boundaries within feature animation. Attention now shifts to the Oscars and the Annies, where Infinity Castle may still secure hardware later this year.