Academy CEO Dawn Hudson wrote to members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday, saying the organization had the "largest ever voting participation at any time in the Academy's history."

Hudson mentions that ballots were submitted from 82 countries (from a total of 9,487 eligible voters) and encourages viewers to continue to use the Academy Screening Room for viewing contenders and "extra" content throughout the season – especially since physical DVD screeners have been banned for the first time, primarily due to environmental concerns.

The nominees will be announced on Tuesday morning. Many categories are considered wide open, including Best Picture, where the Academy is returning to a solid ten candidates for the first time since 2011 (up from eight or nine in recent years).

After the nominations balloting closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Hudson wrote a message to members. PT.

Thank you for taking the time to vote for this year’s Oscar nominees. Because of your passion for movies and for the work of your fellow artists, you led us to our highest ever participation during voting at any time in the Academy’s history. You submitted ballots from 82 countries. That’s a lot of love for movies!

You also played a big role in the success of the Academy Screening Room. This season marks our first without DVD screeners, and you embraced our focus on environmental sustainability.

As we head toward Finals voting, I hope you’ll continue to take advantage of all the available films on ASR. Look in “Extras” for the illuminating “Scene at the Academy” conversations as well as additional programs—there’s a lot to take in if you want more film-immersion.

The nominees in all 23 award categories will be announced on Tuesday, February 8. Finals voting begins March 17. And mark your calendars for our 94th Oscars ceremony on Sunday, March 27.

Take care and, again, thank you for taking the time to celebrate the terrific achievements of your fellow artists.

My very best,

Dawn