The Associated Press reports the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent out its 500 Oscar ballots to 5,307 members Feb. 26–marked with special stamps honoring American filmmaking.
The U.S. Postal Service developed the stamps specifically for the occasion, with each representing different areas of Hollywood filmmaking, including categories for art direction, cinematography, costume design, directing, film editing, makeup, music, screenwriting, sound and special effects, AP reports.
AP also reports that among those attending the mailing event were actress Gena Rowlands, widow of director John Cassavetes, who appears on the “directing” stamp; and Sara Karloff, whose late father, Boris Karloff, appears as the Frankenstein monster on the “makeup” stamp.
Each voter will receive a ballot affixed with a stamp specific to their area of expertise. For example, directors such as Steven Spielberg, Penny Marshall and Ang Lee will receive ballots in envelopes with the stamp honoring directing.
Completed ballots must be returned to the Academy’s auditing firm by 5 p.m. on March 18. Ballots received after the deadline will be ruled ineligible.
Winners will be announced at the Oscar ceremony in Hollywood on March 23.
