BREAKING… The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says the new January 10 date, five days earlier than previously announced, will give members a longer period of time to see the films up for Oscars. It also makes the nominations three days before the Golden Globes, rather than after, as has been the norm in previous years. That makes for a very busy week in the heat of awards season. The shift comes as the Oscars’ governing body unveiled key dates for the 85th Academy Awards, which are February 24 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. As this is the first year members will have the opportunity to cast ballots electronically, the Academy also said today it is making resources available to members during the transition — including creating assisted voting stations in Los Angeles, New York and London; a 24-hour telephone help line during voting periods; and paper ballots. The longer stretch between nominations and the February 19 date for final voting ballots to be submitted also provides a cushion to further work out kinks with members over the new voting methods. Here are the 2013 Oscars’ key dates:

Friday, November 30: Official Screen Credits due
Saturday, December 1: Governors Awards presentation
Monday, December 17: Nominations voting begins
Thursday, January 3: Nominations voting ends 5 p.m. PT
Thursday, January 10: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m. PT, Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Monday, February 4: Nominees Luncheon
Friday, February 8: Final voting begins
Saturday, February 9: Scientific and Technical Awards presentation
Tuesday, February 19: Final voting ends 5 p.m. PT
Sunday, February 24: 85th Academy Awards presentation