KPop Demon Hunters has inched closer to Hollywood glory, landing a coveted spot on the Academy’s longlist for Best Animated Feature — but its awards-season journey isn’t without hurdles.
On 21 November, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) unveiled 35 titles eligible for the 98th Academy Awards’ animated feature category. The Netflix global hit secured its place after completing limited theatrical runs across New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco in June, fulfilling the Academy’s US exhibition rule.
The film follows K-pop girl group Huntrix as they battle malevolent spirits threatening the world — a high-energy, music-driven premise that has resonated with worldwide audiences. Since its streaming debut, KPop Demon Hunters has smashed records, surpassing 300 million cumulative views to become Netflix’s most-watched animated feature ever.
It now sits among major contenders like Disney’s Elio and Zootopia 2, as well as Japanese powerhouses Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. American media outlets are already touting the film as a strong contender not only for Best Animated Feature but also Best Original Song, buoyed by its soundtrack and global fandom.
But while KPop Demon Hunters climbs the Oscars ladder, the BAFTAs won’t be part of its victory lap. Variety confirmed that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts has ruled the film ineligible, despite Netflix filing a formal appeal.
Read more: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Ineligible For BAFTAs Despite Global Success
BAFTA requires all entries to have a qualifying theatrical release, though exemptions may be granted under “exceptional circumstances.” Netflix argued that the film’s event-style screenings — a 264-cinema run in August followed by a 528-theatre Halloween weekend expansion — should qualify. However, BAFTA’s Film Committee rejected the appeal, stating the film did not meet the minimum threshold of 10 commercial UK screenings across at least seven days.
The ruling stands in stark contrast to the film’s U.S. strategy, where it staged a qualifying theatrical run before its Netflix premiere — a key factor in landing on the Oscars longlist. In the UK, however, KPop Demon Hunters debuted directly on the streamer on 20 June, and its later theatrical events were not enough to secure BAFTA eligibility.
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AMPAS also released eligibility lists for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature. This year, 86 countries and regions submitted entries for the international race, with South Korea represented by Park Chan-wook’s It Can’t Be Helped. Shortlists for both categories will be announced on 16 December.
Official nominations for Best Animated Feature drop on 22 January, ahead of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on 15 March.
