Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Disqualified from BAFTA Nomination; Still a Strong Contender for Oscar

Netflix’s original animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has been removed from the animation category nominees for next February’s British Academy Film Awards ceremony. The BAFTA Film Committee announced on the 12th that it ruled the series ineligible due to failing to meet specific requirements. BAFTA mandates theatrical release as a fundamental qualification, though it allows alternative distribution methods such as event screenings in special cases. “KPop Demon Hunters” did not satisfy these criteria. BAFTA stipulates that a minimum of 10 commercial screenings over at least 7 consecutive days in the UK are required. The series held event sing-along screenings in 264 theaters across the UK on August 23–24, followed by additional screenings in 528 theaters from October 31 to November 2 during the Halloween season. However, it failed to meet the 7-day consecutive screening requirement, and its theatrical release occurred two months after going live on Netflix, which was cited as a reason for disqualification. Netflix filed an official appeal, but BAFTA rejected it. There are concerns that BAFTA’s decision to disqualify the series could impact its chances at the Oscars. The North American media outlet Deadline reported that “since both BAFTA and the Oscars introduced long-form animation categories, no film has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature without first receiving a BAFTA nomination.” Nevertheless, most industry experts consider “KPop Demon Hunters” to remain one of the strongest contenders in the Oscar season. The series’ theme song, “Golden,” performed by the K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, was recently nominated for five Grammy Awards. In addition to “Golden,” other OST tracks such as “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” continue to perform well on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released on Netflix in June, the series follows a K-pop girl group fighting against evil spirits in Seoul and has become a global hit, recording the highest viewing time among all Netflix content to date. Meanwhile, Netflix is pursuing nomination for BAFTA’s Best Animated Feature award with director Alex Woo’s “In Your Dream” instead of “KPop Demon Hunters.” Season 2 has also been officially commissioned, with key production team members including co-director Maggie Kang set to participate, aiming for a release in 2029. On November 15 at 7:40 p.m., a large-scale drone light show themed around this series will take place over Han River Park in Yeouido, Seoul. Organized by the Seoul city government, this special event will feature around 2,000 drones, with approximately 400 security personnel deployed—three times more than usual—and a joint management system will be established in collaboration with the police.