Monday, December 1, 2008: Official Screen Credits forms dueInterns and admins at the studios hustle to insure that nothing gets inadvertently disqualified. Awards nerds explode with joy and confusion as 114 movies that Hollywood has kept from them during the first eleven months of the year begin to open.
Friday, December 26, 2008: Nominations ballots mailed
While America goes to new Adam Sandler (Bedtime Stories) and Owen Wilson (Marley & Me) comedies, ignoring the soon-to-be-nominated prestige dramas, mailmen in Los Angeles (and elsewhere) return to work.
Monday, January 12, 2009: Nominations polls closeJust in time for the dumping of the worst movies of 2009 all January long! ...which Americans will go to see instead of the soon-to-be nominated prestige dramas.
Thursday, January 22, 2009: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m.
Millions of pundits (professional and armchair) share their feelings more cheerfully than usual since George W. Bush will have officially been replaced two days prior. (FYI: That's why the nominations are on Thursday next year instead of their usual Tuesday slot)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009: Final ballots mailed
AMPAS members begin voting for their favorites or the media darling nominees (depending on their level of commitment to the process)
Monday, Feb 2, 2009: Nominees LuncheonIn which [insert name] doesn't show, clueing everyone in that she knows he/she won't win.
Saturday, Feb 7, 2009: Scientific and Technical Awards presentation
Pretty interchangeable starlet [insert name] does the honors.
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009: Final polls close 5 p.m.
Who gets those last minute undecided swing voters?
Sunday, Feb 22, 2009: 81st Annual Academy Awards
In which the nation cheers on their favorite all-time actress as Meryl Streep finally returns to the podium for her third Oscar as the leading lady of Doubt.
