Director of the movie Steven Spielberg (R) and cast member Daniel Day-Lewis pose at the premiere of "Lincoln" during the AFI Fest 2012 at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California November 8, 2012. The movie opens in the US on November 16. [Photo/Agencies]

If Americans had their say, presidential drama "Lincoln" or musical "Les Miserables" would win the best picture Oscar next month, while Anne Hathaway and Daniel Day-Lewis should take home the movie industry's top prizes for acting, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday.

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Americans also think epic fantasy "The Hobbit," slavery Western "Django Unchained" and shipwreck tale "Life of Pi," should be front-runners for the coveted best picture statuette, according to the online survey of 951 people.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce on Thursday the films and names of those who will compete for Oscars after a secret ballot by its 6,000 members working in the movie industry.

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According to awards watchers, while both "Lincoln" and "Les Miserables" are expected to be among the 5-10 official best picture contenders on Thursday, "The Hobbit" is considered a long-shot, despite its popularity at the worldwide box office.

Americans looked to be on the money when 27 percent of those questioned picked Hathaway as a likely Oscar winner for her role as the tragic heroine of "Les Miserables", and 18 percent picked Day-Lewis for his performance as US President Abraham Lincoln.

Both actors are seen as leading contenders for Oscar glory at the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood of February 24.