At a Tuesday meeting, the academy's board of governors discussed the idea of holding the Oscars earlier. Most recent shows have been held in late February.
A statement Wednesday by the academy said the earliest any date change could take effect would be for the Oscars in 2012. A firm date of Feb. 27 already has been set for next year's 83rd Oscars.
The academy statement said the idea is "being explored as a possibility."
For many years, the Oscars were held in late March but were moved to February to shorten what many consider a prolonged Hollywood awards season.
