Not that there was any doubt about it, but now it's completely official: the Academy Awards are not moving earlier than their usual late-February slot in 2012.
The Academy announced on Tuesday that the 84th Oscar ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 26. While the AMPAS Board of Governors has talked about moving the show earlier in the month, or even into late January, it announced last October that it would not do so in 2012.
An Academy committee continues to study the logistics of moving the show earlier, which would be designed to reduce "awards fatigue" on the part of potential viewers who've already seen numerous other movie honors by the time the Oscars rolls around.
According to Academy president Tom Sherak, that committee will eventually make its proposal to the board, which would then vote on a move that could now come no earlier than 2013.
In addition to the February 26 show date, the Academy also announced that nominations will be announced on January 24, the nominees luncheon will take place on February 6, and final polls will close on February 21.
Still to be scheduled are a variety of Oscar-related events, including the third annual Governors Awards.
The key dates:
Thursday, December 1, 2011: Official Screen Credits forms due
Tuesday, December 27, 2011: Nominations ballots mailed
Friday, January 13, 2012: Nominations polls close 5 p.m. PT
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m. PT, Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: Final ballots mailed
Monday, February 6, 2012: Nominees Luncheon
Saturday, February 11, 2012: Scientific and Technical Awards presentation
Tuesday, February 21, 2012: Final polls close 5 p.m. PT
Sunday, February 26, 2012: 84th Academy Awards presentation
