Independent film producers, who sued Valenti's Motion Picture Association of America, hailed the ruling as a victory for film buffs, saying it would boost smaller-budget movies' chances of winning awards and receiving wider exposure.

"It's thrilling to see justice prevail," said New York independent film producer Ted Hope, whose recent release, "21 Grams," is vying for awards this season.

Judge Michael Mukasey's decision to block the ban means promotional videos and DVDs of movies, known as screeners, can be distributed in time for major award votes, such as the Golden Globes.

Valenti, the MPAA chairman for 38 years, convinced the major Hollywood studios in September not to release screeners for the upcoming awards to guard against movie piracy.

But independent movie producers took Valenti to court last week, arguing the ban limited awards voters' exposure to their movies.

Mukasey, who issued a temporary restraining order against the association yesterday, found the ban violated anti-trust laws by limiting competition between movie distributors.