KPop Demon Hunters is preparing to sweep animated feature categories across this awards season, but despite Netflix’s best efforts, it will have to sit out one major ceremony. The animated fantasy musical, following a trio of K-pop stars/demon hunters, transformed Netflix this summer, breaking the all-time viewership record and dominating music charts with its beloved soundtrack.
KPop Demon Hunters is presumed to be the winner of the 2026 Oscar for Best Animated Feature, miles ahead of Disney’s Zootopia 2 and quieter releases such as Neon’s forthcoming Arco. The Netflix film’s hit single “Golden” is also a contender for Best Original Song, which is a uniquely competitive category this year with submissions from Wicked: For Good and Sinners.
While it also has a clear path to winning Best Animated Feature at the 2026 Golden Globes, KPop Demon Hunters is now officially ineligible for the BAFTAs. Like in the U.S., films need to have a qualifying theatrical release in the UK to be eligible for the top British film awards. KPop Demon Hunters had a limited release before its Netflix debut in the U.S., but went directly to streaming elsewhere.
After sticking to its usual release plan, Deadline reports that Netflix sought an exemption from the British Academy, as the rules do allow for some “exceptional circumstances.” However, Netflix’s formal appeal was rejected because of the short duration of the movie’s time in theaters at the end of August and for the Halloween weekend, which included locations in the UK.
Due to its two weekend releases since becoming a worldwide phenomenon on streaming, KPop Demon Hunters has grossed $24.6 million worldwide. Netflix is also aiming to release KPop Demon Hunters 2 sometime in 2029, and may be planning a bigger theatrical release ahead of its streaming debut this time around, guaranteeing its eligibility for all the awards.
This year, the BAFTAs will be considering other animated entries, such as Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, In Your Dreams, and Ne Zha 2. And what candidate wins here could provide insight into how awards season might have gone for animation if KPop Demon Hunters hadn’t secured its win early with massive audience support.
It may not be getting the BAFTA for Best Animated Film, but it’s hard to feel like this is a huge loss for KPop Demon Hunters when it is seeing such record-breaking success elsewhere. It is adored by critics and audiences, will win many other awards, and is looking to be the start of a highly lucrative franchise that could be similarly lauded for years to come.
- Release Date
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June 20, 2025
- Runtime
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96 minutes
- Director
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Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
- Writers
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Hannah McMechan, Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez
