Some Bafta voters were affected by the ban on preview tapes

Duncan Kenworthy, who chairs Bafta's film committee, said the anti-piracy ban on distribution of "screener" tapes by US studios had been "ill conceived".

He told BBC News Online UK-based Bafta voters had been penalised by the move.

It was later overturned by a judge after some producers said it would hurt their chances to win awards.

Mr Kenworthy said: "It hasn't proved to be a catastrophe - we have survived. But it's hard to say whether that's because the ban was overturned on time, or because our members have somehow managed to find their way to these films."

He said Bafta members who lived outside London had been penalised because they had not been able to get to screenings of some shortlisted films.

A number of people didn't see enough films this year to vote. That's not a good situation Duncan Kenworthy, Bafta

"Members of Bafta in Scotland, the Midlands, East Anglia, Cornwall find it particularly hard to see all those films, particularly ones that qualify at the last minute.

"I know from my e-mails that a number of people didn't see enough films this year to vote. That's not a good situation and I hope it will be overturned next year."

He said Bafta had already made "strenuous representations" to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) which enforced the ban.

The MPAA relaxed the rules for the Oscars - as long as voters signed an agreement to keep their copies safe.

"Obviously we are all opposed to copyright piracy but I hope that some way can be found to protect the system of sending out screeners to our members," he said.

Mr Kenworthy, producer of the hit romantic comedy Love Actually, hailed the film's inclusion in Bafta's best British film category.

There are also mentions in supporting roles for two of the film's co-stars, Bill Nighy and Emma Thompson.

"I'm thrilled," said Mr Kenworthy. "Normally comedies aren't thought to be award fodder, and I'm delighted for Richard Curtis who wrote and directed the film.

"It's strange to say that at the age of 52 Bill Nighy has made a career-making performance. Suddenly he's on the list of every casting director in Hollywood."

Love Actually had experienced "an extraordinary run in the UK" and was loved by British audiences, he said.

"I would much rather have audiences love it than critics or audience review boards I must say, so I am happy."