Netflix‘s KPop Demon Hunterssinging voice stars took the stage at the BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday evening, getting a game crowd grooving. In their first-ever live performance outside the U.S., EJAE, who provides the singing voice for Rumi, Audrey Nuna, who sings Mira’s lines, and Rei Ami, who stars as the singing voice of Zoey, performed their Grammy-winning hit “Golden” at Britain’s biggest movie awards night.
Cameras showed audience members nodding along, shaking their shoulders and otherwise getting into the music.
“Performing at the EE BAFTA Film Awards is a golden moment that our younger selves could never have imagined,” the trio had said when they were unveiled as performers. “We’re so proud to represent Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters and spread the film’s positive message to fans around the globe.” The movie tells the story of three women who are demon hunters and use their singing voices to create a magical barrier against demons called the Honmoon.
Emma Baehr, executive director of awards & content at BAFTA, highlighted at the time that the Sony-produced KPop Demon Hunters has had a “phenomenal impact on the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages around the world” since its release last summer. “We are thrilled the talented singers behind HUNTR/X will bring their K-pop energy to the EE BAFTA Film Awards next month.”
Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans’ animated musical has become Netflix’s most popular film of all time and is nominated for the Oscar for best animated feature film. “Golden,” the headline track, also scored an Academy Award nom for best original song. It also became the most-streamed song globally last year.
On Saturday, KPop Demon Hunters swept the Annie Awards, the animation honors handed out by the L.A. Branch of the International Animated Film Association, ASIFA-Hollywood. The film won 10 honors, including for best feature, best FX, best character animation, best character design and best production design.
The BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming, were taking place at the Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank Center. Find the full winners list here.
A mere four days into the new year, and the first awards show of 2026 is upon us. Tonight, the Critics’ Choice Awards celebrate the best in film and television, recognizing the finest actors, directors, writers, costume designers, editors and more in the industry.
Along with the usual categories, the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards will include four new honors, for Best Variety Series, Best Sound, Best Stunt Design and Best Casting and Ensemble. Chelsea Handler is hosting the awards show for the fourth year in a row, and the ceremony will once again take place at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, California.
Sinners leads the film pack with a staggering 17 nods, followed by One Battle After Another‘s still-impressive 14, while Netflix’s limited series, Adolescence, scored the most for television with six, followed by another Netflix show, Nobody Wants This, with five.
Before the awards are handed out, however, the stars will walk the red carpet in the first major fashion moment of 2026. Last year’s show brought us standout looks like Margaret Qualley in ethereal Chanel, Colman Domingo in a brown leather Hugo Boss ensemble, Cynthia Erivo in black peplum Armani Privé and Mikey Madison in vintage Giorgio Armani, so we’re just going to have to wait with bated breath to see what this season’s nominees bring to the table. Below, see the best red carpet fashion moments from the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards.
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody. Getty Images
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody
Jessica Biel. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Jessica Biel
in Lanvin
Jacob Elordi. Getty Images
Jacob Elordi
in Bottega Veneta
Elle Fanning. WWD via Getty Images
Elle Fanning
in Ralph Lauren
Ariana Grande. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Ariana Grande
in Alberta Ferretti
Chase Infiniti. WireImage
Chase Infiniti
in Louis Vuitton
Amanda Seyfried. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Amanda Seyfried
in Valentino
Natasha Lyonne. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Natasha Lyonne
Britt Lower. Getty Images
Britt Lower
in Bottega Veneta
Michael B. Jordan. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Cri
Michael B. Jordan
Jessica Williams. WWD via Getty Images
Jessica Williams
Keri Russell. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Keri Russell
Meghann Fahy. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Meghann Fahy
Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler
Jessie Buckley. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Jessie Buckley
in Dior
Rose Byrne. Getty Images
Rose Byrne
in Valentino
Ego Nwodim. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Ego Nwodim
in Carolina Herrera
Kristen Bell. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Kristen Bell
in Elie Saab
Michelle Randolph. Getty Images for Critics Choice
Marking her official solo act debut, EJAE has released “In Another World,” which gives fans of the singer’s emotional vocals on “Golden” another banger to belt. The deeply resonant and powerful ballad is a gorgeous rumination on love and loss, and I can already imagine it backing up fan edits of Rujinu (Jinu and Rumi’s ship name). The song just dropped so I imagine the internet will hop on the pop bop as part of their campaign to bring Jinu back—nothing wrong with redeeming a bad boy (ahem, Ben Solo), after all.
In a recent interview with Ryan Seacrest, EJAE talked about the making of her debut single. “I wrote ‘In Another World’ during a time when I was questioning every choice I’d made. It’s about those quiet moments when you imagine the life you didn’t live—and realizing it’s okay to miss something and that in another world maybe it would be perfect.”
It’s such a powerful debut, illustrating through music how even under the bright lights of KPop Demon Hunters, life can contain multitudes, inspiring more amazing work from the singer-songwriter. EJAE explained how the newfound success has given her the opportunity to step back on the mic: “I’ve always dreamed of sharing my songs with the world, but I never imagined I’d be the one singing them.”
She continued, “This song—and this moment—feel like I’m finally letting people see who I really am. It’s both terrifying and thrilling, but mostly I’m just so excited to be able to share something that’s authentically me.” And we’re so happy she’s stepping into her power to seal the Honmoon in real life, since EJAE will also be joining her KPop Demon Hunters vocal co-stars, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, at iHeartMedia’s Jingle Ball to perform Huntr/x songs this winter.
Check out the music video for “In Another World,” directed by Bryant Hyun, below!
Singer-songwriter EJAE is about to step into what she calls “unknown territory.” Having spent most of her time behind the scenes as a songwriter, EJAE has just released her first single, “In Another World,” accompanied by a music video.
EJAE soared to global success with “KPop Demon Hunters,” where she served as the singing voice of Rumi. Huntr/X, the fictional girl group from the Netflix animated film, scored four Billboard Top 10 songs.
EJAE has also been named one of Variety’s 10 Artisans to Watch in Songwriting. As “Demon Hunters” continues to break records, EJAE is excited for people to discover a new side of her as she flexes this very different creative muscle. The song was co-written by EJAE, Ted Andreville and Breagh Isabel, who also produced alongside Vitals and Daniel Rojas.
Speaking with Variety, EJAE says, “I’ve always been a songwriter, and that was always the first thing. I guess the only difference between a songwriter and artist, for me at least, is that I’m having people hear all my demos. But now, it’s not a demo; it’s the final form.”
While she’s excited, she’s also feeling scared. “Behind the scenes, I’m hiding. But when you’re bringing your whole self to it, you’re allowing people to judge you. So I think that’s the scary part.”
Here, EJAE discusses the songwriting process behind “In Another World” and the filming of its music video.
‘In Another World’ has such beautiful lyrics, and we’ve always known about your songwriting skills. But what does it mean to be on this new journey, releasing the single?
Songwriting is what defines my artistry. The song was personal to me and my fellow co-writers. I personally wish that the song receives more attention than me, and that’s the main goal. As a songwriter, I’m not trying to bring attention to myself or my personal life. I’m trying to bring attention to the lyrics and the melody so people can feel what I felt when I was listening to music. Music helped me get through a hard time. Adele’s “Someone Like You” helped me get through a really difficult period, and I wish that’s what this song brings to other people as well.
With so much happening due to the success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” can you talk about the timing of the single and what made now feel like the right time?
I feel like people have already been hearing my lyrics and message. It was just through a different messenger, right? Whether it be “Psycho” for Red Velvet or something else, the difference is that I’m the one now who’s actually singing it. I think the timing of it all is just quite organic. It was more because of “KPop Demon Hunters” that people were finding out about my singing voice, and people were being so nice — they wanted to hear more. I was like, “I’m down if you guys are willing.” As an artist, I don’t want myself to be boxed into being a “K-pop” artist because I don’t really view myself as a K-pop artist or a pop artist. I view myself as a songwriter of every genre.
Let’s talk about “In Another World.” What’s the meaning behind the lyrics?
I wrote this two years ago during a songwriting camp in Canada. Every time I hear it, there’s a different meaning, and that’s what I love about this song. But we were all going through something. I was going through this personal relationship thing with my fiancé. It was an important time, and things weren’t working out. We had a break, and it was an important decision-making time for me. I think it inspired this idea of, what if we met at a time when I didn’t have my baggage? What would that be like? And if we decided not to be together, what’s a way for me to be OK with that decision to let it go?
That mindset helped me. Maybe in another world, we would have been perfect, and I’m leaning on that parallel world with no jealousy. I have no insecurity issues that I brought into the relationship, and it would have been perfect. It very much feels like a “Sliding Doors” situation because that’s something we all do — where we wonder, “What if?” The lyrics helped me accept reality in a way, but at the same time, be OK with it by knowing to just be real with yourself. I chose this song because it felt exactly how I felt with Rumi and the movie. Accepting your demons, then accepting that part of yourself — that is when true growth happens.
‘In Another World’ artwork
You wrote this a few years ago. Is there going to be more music in the future?
Yes, absolutely. It’s just about picking and choosing what is right for me, what I want to speak on, and what I feel people can relate to. It doesn’t always have to be a sad song. It could be anything.
You also filmed the music video. What’s the story behind the video?
“In Another World” can mean so many different things. It was initially about the relationship, but it evolved into this thing where, as a kid, in another world, I chose a different path. I had different paths I could have taken. So, it’s a love letter to my younger self. You see me back and forth playing the piano as a kid and as an adult, and what it means to me now. It’s about those two worlds colliding.
As KPop Demon Hunters continues to take over the world, dominating the movie and music charts with its infectious songs and badass heroines, it’s no surprise that two empowering women behind the scenes played a major role in bringing it all to life. Director Maggie Kang and songwriter (as well as the singing voice of main character Rumi) EJAE recently sat down with the press to talk about their collaboration in creating the film’s iconic pop idols and their music catalog.
And yes, “Golden” did start off on a trip to the dentist.
EJAE clarified the lore behind the hit song while speaking to io9 and other outlets at a press conference for KPop Demon Hunters today. “It was on the way to the dentist—and guess what I got in the dentist? Gold fillings. Isn’t that insane?” EJAE recalled of the experience, which seemed like one with a huge payoff, as visits to the dentist typically involve a painful cost. This one, at least, would prove worth it. “It was in the car. I got the track [idea],” she continued.
EJAE added that she didn’t know at the time of writing the songs for the film’s soundtrack that “Golden,” among other hits, would go viral after KPop Demon Hunters‘ launch, let alone become one of the songs of the summer. But she did think that golden dentist visit felt like a special moment when she cracked the song’s melody on the drive home.
“I was so excited to get my gold filling done and go home and put it down. [I] had my co-writer [Mark Sonnenblick] come on Zoom, and that’s how we would write. And I was like, ‘Oh my God, Mark, I have this melody. I think it’s pretty epic,” she continued, motioning towards Kang, who also played a pivotal part in the brainstorming of the title track. “It was all meant to be, and then the melody idea came out really fast. But obviously there was fine-tuning that was back and forth. But the main hook idea we got, and we’re like, ‘we’re done with that.’ And we’re like, ‘Wait.’ Literally Mark and I and Zoom were like, ‘Did we just write a hit?’ Like, it sounded so good.”
Kang shared that soon after that, she got to hear the rough early version of “Golden.” “I think it was in Vancouver. I know exactly where I was. I was going to the airport,” Kang recalled, saying that the film’s executive music producer, Ian Eisendrath, had urged her to get on a phone call with him.
“We were on a phone call and he’s like, ‘Maggie, I just want you to, I just need you to listen to it right now,’” Kang continued. “I was like, ‘Okay,’ so I just take my AirPods out, and I’m listening to it. And I’m just like… I heard the few notes in the beginning and then I just had tears. I knew it was it. I was like, ‘this is it.’ It’s so magical; like right from the beginning, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we finally got it.’ Then I started crying, and then I cried more because it’s getting better and better.”
The process to land on the song as we know it came down to the perfect balance of K-Pop and movie musical magic. “It’s definitely a different approach because you have to follow the story a lot, and you have to understand the characters and what they’re going through [in] each scene,” EJAE said of striking the balance between making a good pop song and a good song for a musical. Kang wanted the trio of Huntr/x—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—to feel like a fully fleshed-out band, to the point where the co-director requested that EJAE stay on as the singing voice for Rumi.
Kang also closely guided EJAE and Sonnenblick on how to use the music they were creating to propel KPop Demon Hunters‘ story. “I come from a K-pop world, so I’m all about: ‘What’s a great melody? What’s a catchy hook? What’s a good concept?’ That’s always what I’m thinking about,” EJAE explained. “Even with ‘Golden’, I needed a title that just sticks—’Golden’ sticks, you know? That’s what I’m focusing on, and Mark is focusing on the storyline, so it was a lot of us going back and forth, policing each other.”
“I love musicals, by the way, but in pop form, it can get a little different,” she continued. “Sometimes musicals, you could, because you’re saying a lot of things, it could get wordy sometimes. As a pop writer, we try to avoid that.”
Ultimately, EJAE and Sonneblick leaned on each other to remind themselves of balancing the fine line in making the film’s songs. “[I’d] say, ‘oh, that sounds weird’, and then Mark would tell me, ‘Hmm, that’s off the storyline. I know that’s a really cool line, EJAE, but let’s get back to the story,’” EJAE concluded.
“So that was a lot of back and forth; it was really, really challenging, and I remember Mark and I were like, ‘This is so hard, but if we pull this off, we’re freaking geniuses.’ And we pulled it off.”
