Oscars Considering Rule Changes Following K-pop Demon Hunters Speech Controversy

The recent Academy Awards witnessed significant attention as Kpop Demon Hunters secured two prestigious Oscars. However, the event was marred by controversy, particularly around the abrupt end of the acceptance speeches, raising questions about the future of the Oscars’ format.

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 98th Academy Awards celebrated various cinematic achievements, with One Battle After Another and Sinners emerging as the standout titles. Yet, alongside the celebrations, criticisms were voiced regarding a notable snub for Sean Penn, the omission of David Keighley from the memoriam segment, and some careless waste left by attendees.

Among the most heated discussions was the treatment of the Kpop Demon Hunters acceptance speeches, which may influence future Oscar regulations.

Addressing the Speech Controversy at the Oscars

Still from KPop Demon Hunters — Source: Netflix

During the ceremony, co-director Maggie Kang faced an interruption when accepting the Oscar for Best Animated Feature as the play-off music began to play. Fortunately, the music was eventually halted, allowing her to continue her speech. In contrast, the team behind the acclaim-winning song ‘Golden’ experienced a less favorable outcome. While Ejae expressed heartfelt sentiments, the remaining team members were unable to share their thoughts due to the overwhelming background music. They found themselves relegated to a behind-the-scenes press conference to convey their gratitude.

In light of the backlash, Rob Mills of Walt Disney Television, overseeing the Oscars telecast, addressed the issue expressed by many in the media. He emphasized the necessity for a better approach regarding acceptance speeches.“As we prepare for next year, one focus will be on our speech management, ” Mills stated.“You win an Oscar; your moment could involve one person or several. It’s crucial to consider how we allocate time.”

K-Pop Demon Hunters songwriting crew get speech cut at #Oscars after making history winning Original Song pic.twitter.com/g7WekvTpau

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 16, 2026

Mills further suggested that perhaps only one selected individual from a winning team should speak, while others could continue their discussions offstage with a potential live feed on social platforms.“This approach needs thorough consideration, ” he added, recognizing the difficulty of abruptly cutting off winners during such significant moments.

In addition to the ongoing discussions, more insights surrounding this year’s Academy Awards, including Diane Warren’s long-standing Oscar record and the peculiar MrBeast joke at the conclusion of the night, can be explored further.

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