Nominations will now be unveiled on Jan 10 2013 – five days earlier than previously announced and – crucially – three days before the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) 70th annual Golden Globes.

The Academy issued an announcement on Tuesday (18) in which it said the aim was to allow voting members and the public more time to see nominated films. Industry sources speculated that HFPA membership might take a dim view of the date change, given that the nominations could steal thunder from the build-up to the Globes ceremony.

For the first time the Academy, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Everyone Counts will set up electronic voting facilities. The move follows what an Academy statement described as “extensive” research and focus groups.

The plan is to set up voting systems including assisted voting stations in Los Angeles, New York and London and a 24-hour hotline. During the pre-nominations phase members will vote by paper ballot in the following eight categories due to specialised screening schedules: animated feature, animated short, live-action short, documentary feature, documentary short, foreign language, make-up and hairstyling and visual effects.

Official screen credits will be due on Nov 30, while the Governors Awards presentation will take place on Dec 1.

Nominations voting begins on Dec 17 and ends on Jan 3. The nominees will be unveiled on Jan 10 and the nominees luncheon is scheduled for Feb 4.

Final voting begins on Feb 8 and the scientific and technical awards are handed out on Feb 9. Final voting ends on Feb 19 and the 85th Academy Awards presentation takes place on Feb 24 at The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

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