Pivotal award season dates

Award season is in full swing, so to keep you up to speed, here are some key dates to mark on your calendars.

Today: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences final ballots mailed; Motion Picture Sound Editors final ballots distributed

Friday: International Animated Film Society Annie Awards; Directors Guild of America feature film ballots deadline to return; USC Scripter Awards

Saturday: DGA Awards

Monday: AMPAS nominees luncheon

Tuesday: American Cinema Editors final ballots due; BAFTA voting closes; Writers Guild of America final online ballots due

Feb. 5: WGA nominees panel

Feb. 6: Cinema Audio Society final ballots returned by 5 p.m.

Feb. 7: WGA awards; AMPAS scientific, technical award dinner

Feb. 8: 50th annual Grammy Awards; BAFTA Awards (London)

Feb. 9: Costumer Designer Guild final ballots due; American Society of Cinematographers final ballots returned

Feb. 12: Art Directors Guild final ballots due, 5 p.m.; NAACP Image Awards

Feb. 14: AD Guild Awards; CAS awards

Feb. 15: ACE Eddie Awards; ASC Awards

Feb. 17: CDG Awards; AMPAS final polls close 5 p.m.

Feb. 18: ICG/Publicists Guild Awards; Motion Picture Sound Editor final ballots due

Feb. 21: Film Independent's Spirit Awards; MPSE Golden Reel Awards; Visual Effects Society awards

Feb. 22: 81st annual Academy Awards