The showdown between two of 2025’s biggest movies, Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters, has begun. Both films are expected to compete against each other in multiple crucial categories in the 2026 Oscars, which will air on March 15.

Variety reported that two songs, “I Lied To You” and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” were submitted by Sinners for consideration in the “Best Original Song” category. Both songs will compete against Demon Hunters’ hit “Golden,” which was officially submitted back in July.

It is still considerably early in the Oscar race, but all three songs have more than earned their spot on the Academy’s shortlist of 15 contenders for Best Original Song. From that list, it gets narrowed down to five nominees, which will be announced on January 22, 2026.

According to Academy rules, a film can submit up to three original songs for consideration. All three can appear on the shortlist, but only two can ultimately receive nominations. Sinners chose to submit two songs, a decision that could be advantageous or harmful to the chances of the other songs. For example, Barbie entered “What Was I Made For?,” “I’m Just Ken,” and “Dance the Night.” All three made the shortlist, but “Dance the Night” did not get nominated.” “What Was I Made For” ended up winning.

“I Lied To You” is written by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson and performed by Miles Caton. “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” is performed by Alice Smith and Caton and co-written by Smith, Caton, and Göransson. “Golden” is performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and was written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick.

Caton has also been receiving Oscar buzz in the Best Supporting Actor category, and with the addition of his songwriting credit, he could join an elite club of those who have received Oscar nominations for both acting and original song. This small club includes Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami and “Speak Now,” Mary J. Blige for Mudbound and “Mighty River,” Lady Gaga for A Star Is Born and “Shallow,” and Cynthia Erivo for Harriet and “Stand Up.”

Sinners plans to campaign in all major Oscar categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and more. The addition of its song submissions helps boost its awards momentum.

It’s very much still a toss-up between who has the edge, as “Golden” has been topping numerous charts since KPop Demon Hunters’ release in June, but “I Lied To You” and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” can be seen all over social media.