Oscars: Hollywood prepares for Academy Awards

Hollywood is gearing up for what is likely to be one of the most unpredictable Academy Awards for years.

No film is likely to sweep the board, although the best picture prize is expected to go to hostage drama Argo.

That has overtaken historical epic Lincoln in most predictions. However, Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Abraham Lincoln, is favourite for best actor.

Les Miserables star Anne Hathaway is tipped for supporting actress, but the other acting categories are more open.

All five nominees for best supporting actor have won Oscars before.

This year, it is thought to be a three-horse race between Robert De Niro for Silver Linings Playbook, Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln and Christoph Waltz fro Django Unchained.

Best actress is another unpredictable contest. Emmanuelle Riva, the leading lady in Michael Haneke's old age drama Amour, could become the oldest actress to win an Oscar. The ceremony falls on her 86th birthday.

That category is another close race, with Lincoln's Steven Spielberg in a duel with Ang Lee for Life Of Pi.

There are outside chances for David O Russell for Silver Lining Playbook, Michael Haneke for Amour and Benh Zeitlin for Beasts of the Southern Wild, BBc reports.