[AMPAS] – 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, December 14. (The original date was November 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 Wednesday, January 2, 2013. The voting period for nominations begins on Monday, December 17 and closes on Thursday, January 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 Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards–in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners–Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.