Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is an Oscar frontrunner, but not at the BAFTAs.
The animated film, produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Netflix, has been ruled ineligible by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, despite a formal appeal by Netflix, Variety has confirmed.
BAFTA’s eligibility rules require films to have a qualifying theatrical release. However, under “exceptional circumstances” the Film Commission may allow submissions released to the UK public through other distribution models such as event cinemas.
Netflix appealed based on that provision, arguing that the film’s event-style theatrical screening — which took place two months after its streaming debut — merited consideration. However, the BAFTA film committee rejected the appeal, saying the film did not meet the eligibility criteria. Specifically, the film failed to meet the minimum requirement of “at least 10 commercial screenings in the UK for a total of 7 days or more.”
Netflix released the film after a limited theatrical release in 264 UK cinemas on August 23rd and 24th. “KPop Demon Hunters” was also shown in 528 theaters in the UK over Halloween weekend.
Despite the setback, “KPop Demon Hunters” remains a major contender for this year’s awards season. The smash hit original song “Golden” performed by K-Pop group Hunter/x was recently nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Song. The soundtrack, which also included the singles “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop,” continued to chart on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, reinforcing the film’s cultural impact.
Netflix will continue to aim for a BAFTA nomination in the Best Animated Feature category for director Alex Wu’s In Your Dreams, which was recently released on the platform.
BAFTA reintroduced an animated feature category in 2006. The original version of the award, first given in 1955 and last given in 1982, was open to both short and full-length animated films. Over time, BAFTA divided departments based on running time. The Best Animated Short Award was introduced in the 1980s, and in 2007 the Best Animated Film category was re-established as a feature-only award. In contrast, the Academy Awards have been recognizing animated works since 2001.
Since both the BAFTAs and the Oscars began recognizing animated features, no film has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature without at least BAFTA approval. Could this historical trend be an obstacle for “KPop Demon Hunter” in its Oscar campaign? It’s too early to tell, but its exclusion from BAFTA consideration could give rise to other nominees, including Disney’s Zootopia 2, Neon’s Arco, and GKids’ Little Amelie.
Meanwhile, Netflix and Sony are building on the momentum of “KPop Demon Hunters” to produce a sequel, which is currently scheduled for release in 2029.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, this original film follows a world-famous K-pop girl group who secretly lead double lives as demon hunters, juggling fame, fandom, and fierce supernatural battles.
Deadline first reported the news.
