Hollywood is gearing up for what is likely to be one of the most unpredictable Academy Awards for years, BBC News reported

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

That has overtaken historical epic Lincoln in the predictions, although Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Abraham Lincoln, is favorite 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.

Ben Affleck's Argo has gained momentum in recent weeks in the race to win best picture.

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.

Jones, who plays radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens, picked up the Screen Actors Guild prize for supporting actor, a possible indicator to Oscars success.