The controversial ban has been lifted but screener videos will only be sent out to voting members of the Academy. Directors, writers, critics… etc. are out of luck. Also the films will be sent out in a secure VHS format that will supposedly include encryption that will allow the source of the video to be traced; Just an added measure to help cut down on the piracy that began this whole mess to begin with. 

Variety reports that an announcement of the lifting of the ban is expect this week. It couldn’t come to soon for some. As we reported yesterday, The Los Angeles Film Critics Association voted to cancel their annual awards ceremony in protest of this ban.  (see story). 

Now that this issue is settled we can go back and concentrate on real news.