The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended the deadline for members to request a paper ballot to vote for the 85th Academy Awards by two weeks, to Friday, Dec. 14. The original deadline was Nov. 30. This is being done to ensure that all Academy members fully understand all the voting options that are available to them this year.
“In past years, once our members paid their dues, they would automatically be sent a ballot at the appropriate time,” said Ric Robertson, Academy COO. “With the introduction of electronic voting this year, members must either register to vote electronically or request a paper ballot. We’re extending the deadline for requesting paper ballots to make completely sure that no member who prefers this method misses the boat.”
The majority of Academy members have already registered to vote online. Those who have not may still register to vote through Jan. 2. The voting period for nominations begins on Dec. 17 and closes on Jan. 3.
This will be the first year the Academy will provide its membership the opportunity to vote electronically. Several voting resources will be available to members during the transition, including assisted voting stations in Los Angeles, New York and London, and a 24-hour support call center during voting periods.
The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Jan. 10 at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
