Oscar-winner Adrien Brody is among actors to oppose the screeners ban

Smaller producers fear that the ban on so-called "screeners" will damage their prospects of winning prizes at ceremonies such as the Golden Globes.

The ban was announced recently by the Motion Picture Association of America.

It expressed concerns that the issuing of screener copies of films could lead to piracy.

Dispute

The association's new policy ignited a bitter dispute with independent film-makers, who argue that the ban threatens their livelihood.

A deal was recently struck lifting the ban on screeners being sent to Oscars judges, but smaller-scale film-makers are concerned about the impact at other awards ceremonies.

US District Judge Michael B Mukasey, who granted a temporary restraining order against the ban, said he was swayed by evidence that awards are critical to the success of smaller films.

"Plaintiffs have shown they are at risk of loss of revenue as a result of the screener ban," he said.

The Motion Picture Association Of America said it would appeal against the judge's decision.

Explaining its stance, president Jack Valenti said: "The impact and growing threat of piracy is real and must be addressed wherever it appears."