KPop Demon Hunters Snubbed by BAFTAs: A Closer Look
KPop Demon Hunters has made waves in the film industry since its release in 2025, becoming Netflix’s most-watched movie ever. Despite its immense popularity and a live performance of its hit song “Golden” set for the EE BAFTA Film Awards, the film faces challenges in securing nominations.
KPop Demon Hunters and BAFTA Snub: A Puzzling Situation
The buzz around KPop Demon Hunters is undeniable. It features a star-studded cast including Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who voiced the characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. However, the film is notably absent from this year’s BAFTA nominations in the Children’s & Family Film and Animated Film categories.
Performance at the BAFTAs
Despite the lack of nominations, the film’s stars are slated to perform “Golden” live at the BAFTAs. This performance marks their first appearance outside the U.S. The absence from the nominations has raised eyebrows, especially given the film’s commercial success.
Eligibility Criteria for BAFTA Consideration
- BAFTA nominees must have had a qualifying theatrical release.
- KPop Demon Hunters was primarily released on Netflix.
- A limited theatrical release in the UK did occur over two weekends—August and Halloween.
Netflix submitted a formal appeal to the BAFTA Film Committee. They argued that the film’s limited theatrical release should qualify as an “event-style theatrical run.” However, the committee rejected this appeal, citing that the movie fell short of the requirement for screenings.
Screening Requirements and Comparisons
The BAFTAs stipulate that films need a minimum of ten commercial screenings in the UK over at least seven days. KPop Demon Hunters did not meet this criterion. In contrast, films can also be eligible for the Oscars as long as they hold screenings in select areas, including Los Angeles and New York, which KPop Demon Hunters achieved.
While KPop Demon Hunters has missed out on BAFTA nominations, it is still a strong contender for the Animated Feature Film and Original Song awards at the Oscars. A win at the Oscars would be historic, as no film has won Best Animated Feature without first receiving a BAFTA nomination.
Conclusion
Despite the BAFTA snub, KPop Demon Hunters continues to break records and capture audience attention. The film remains available on Netflix, solidifying its presence in the streaming landscape and the cinematic world alike.
