The fortunes of the films "No Other Choice" and "K-pop Demon Hunters" diverged.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released nominees for the 98th Academy Awards on the 22nd (local time), and "No Other Choice" was not included among the five international feature film nominees, while "K-pop Demon Hunters" earned nominations for best animated feature and best original song.
On that day, "No Other Choice" had been included among 15 shortlist films, raising hopes for a final nomination, but ultimately tasted defeat. Interest had focused on whether a Korean film would return to the Academy Awards main stage for the first time in six years since "Parasite," but glory went to five films: "Hind's Voice," "Secret Agent," "It Was Just an Accident," "Sentmental Value" and "Sirat."
Earlier, director Park Chan-wook's previous film "Decision to Leave" also received good reviews overseas but failed to make the final shortlist for best international feature film at the Academy Awards. Recently, "No Other Choice" was nominated in three categories at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards — best picture, best non-English language film and best actor — but left empty-handed, leaving disappointment.
Meanwhile, "K-pop Demon Hunters" celebrated the double honor of being nominated for best animated feature and having "Golden," sung in the film by Huntrix, nominated for best original song.
Released on Netflix in June last year, "K-pop Demon Hunters" created a global sensation and set viewing records that surpassed the "Squid Game" series.
"K-pop Demon Hunters," which has been sweeping trophies at major international awards, recently won both best animation and best original song at the Golden Globes, taking home two awards. The Golden Globes, often called a precursor to the Academy Awards, are seen as an important indicator for predicting results, which could mean its chances at the Oscars have significantly increased.
With the fates of "No Other Choice" and "K-pop Demon Hunters," which domestic movie fans paid most attention to, now diverging, expectations are rising over whether "K-pop Demon Hunters" can go on to dominate the Academy Awards as well.
Meanwhile, the 98th Academy Awards will be held on Mar. 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, U.S.
[Photo] Posters of each film
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