The nominees have traditionally been announced on a Tuesday, but in 2009, the announcement will take place on Thursday, January 22. The awards ceremony will be on Sunday, February 22.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to delay the nominee announcement by two days so that it does not interfere with the inauguration of the next American President on January 20, 2009.
The information used for the selection of candidates will be sent to members on December 26, 2008. The choices must be sent back by January 12, 2009. After the unveiling of nominations, the final ballots will be counted between January 28 and February 17.
Winners will be announced at the 81st ceremony, which will take place once again at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcasted live on ABC.