Oscars Mute ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Speech: Executive Responds
The Oscars witnessed a noteworthy moment this year when the KPop Demon Hunters song “Golden” was awarded Best Original Song. This event prompted a discussion about how acceptance speeches are managed during the ceremony due to interruptions faced by the winners.
Interruption at the Oscars
During the ceremony held on March 15, songwriters behind “Golden” found their acceptance speeches abruptly cut short. The production decision sparked widespread criticism from audiences and viewers alike. Following the event, Rob Mills, Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Television, addressed this issue in an interview with Variety.
Future Changes in Speech Management
Mills acknowledged the disruption and indicated that his team would reconsider their approach to handling acceptance speeches for the next award show. He proposed that a more structured format might be beneficial. This could include designating one spokesperson to address the audience or extending the opportunity for thanks to backstage broadcasts via social media.
“We need to look at how we’re handling speeches,” Mills stated. “Cutting someone off during their moment can be challenging.” He emphasized the importance of finding a graceful solution to avoid such awkward interruptions in the future.
KPop Demon Hunters Makes History
Despite the interruptions, the victory of “Golden” marks a significant achievement. This song is recognized as the first K-pop track to secure an Oscar. The win adds to the accolades of the Netflix film that debuted last summer.
- Winning Song: “Golden”
- Categories Competed: Nominated against “Sinners,” “Viva Verdi!,” “Train Dreams,” and Diane Warren’s “Relentless.”
During the acceptance, EJAE, who is also the voice of Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, managed to convey her heartfelt appreciation before the orchestra played, cutting off co-writer Yu-Han Lee shortly after he began his speech. Visibility upset, the team was escorted backstage, where they eventually could share their full thoughts.
Upcoming Honors
In addition to their Oscar win, KPop Demon Hunters will receive another prestigious award. EJAE, alongside vocalists AUDREY NUNA and REI AMI, is set to be recognized as Women of the Year by Billboard at the Women in Music Awards in April, marking another milestone.
This historic Oscar win for “Golden” showcases the increasing acceptance and appreciation of K-pop in the mainstream entertainment industry, emphasizing resilience and growth within the music genre.
