The trio behind the animated band HUNTR/X ignited the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday night with a vibrant performance of their hit song, “Golden.” EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the voices of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey respectively, delivered the performance, marking their first stage appearance together outside of the United States.
The performance, introduced by BAFTA host Alan Cumming, featured an elaborate stage show inspired by the aesthetic of the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, and included a troupe of dancers. The song, co-written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, DO, 24, and Teddy, has become a global phenomenon since the film’s release.
KPop Demon Hunters quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film ever upon its release in 2025. Despite the film’s massive popularity, it was deemed ineligible for BAFTA consideration due to the Academy’s rules requiring a qualifying theatrical release. Netflix appealed the decision, citing the film’s event-style theatrical run after its streaming debut, but the appeal was ultimately rejected by BAFTA’s Film Committee, according to Variety.
The success of “Golden” extends beyond the BAFTA stage. The song recently won the Best Song prize at the Golden Globes and the Grammy for Best Song Written For Visual Media. This proves as well nominated for the Best Song Oscar this year. NME named “Golden” the second best song of 2025, and included KPop Demon Hunters on its list of the best films of the year.
The performance at the BAFTAs precedes a scheduled appearance at next weekend’s BRIT Awards, where EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami will become the first K-pop artists to ever perform on that stage.
While HUNTR/X’s performance captivated audiences, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the awards ceremony, securing six prizes including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor. British indie drama I Swear also garnered significant attention, with Robert Aramayo winning both Best Actor and the Rising Star award.
A sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is reportedly not expected to be released until at least 2030.
