Why 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is ineligible for BAFTAs
What's the story
Netflix's animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters has been ruled ineligible for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards, reported Variety. The decision came despite a formal appeal from Netflix, arguing that the film's event-style theatrical run in the UK justified its eligibility. However, BAFTA's Film Committee rejected this appeal, stating that it didn't meet their criteria.
Details
BAFTA's eligibility criteria explained
BAFTA's eligibility rules state that films must have a qualifying theatrical release. However, under "exceptional circumstances," entries can be considered if they have been made available to the UK public through other distribution models, like event cinema. Netflix argued that K-Pop Demon Hunters's theatrical run, despite being two months after its streaming debut, qualified as such an exceptional circumstance.
Disqualification
Film had limited theatrical run for 2 days
BAFTA's Film Committee ruled that K-Pop Demon Hunters failed to meet the minimum requirement of "at least 10 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days in aggregate." The film had a limited theatrical run in 264 UK cinemas on August 23 and 24, followed by additional screenings in 528 theaters over Halloween weekend.
Oscar eligibility
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' still in race for Oscars
Despite the BAFTA setback, K-Pop Demon Hunters is still a major contender for the Oscars. For its Oscar eligibility, the film was screened from June 20-26 at three US theaters: Landmark Opera Plaza Cinema in San Francisco, Laemmle Glendale in Los Angeles County, and Quad Cinema in New York City. The screenings began on the same day it premiered on Netflix.
Future prospects
Grammy nominations and sequel on the way
The film's original song Golden, performed by K-pop group Huntr/x, recently bagged three Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year. The soundtrack also features singles Your Idol and Soda Pop. Meanwhile, Netflix and Sony are capitalizing on the success of K-Pop Demon Hunters with a sequel scheduled for release in 2029.