The director was hoping to score a nomination for his 2004 film The Woodsman, which starred Kevin Bacon as a convicted child molester. But he was stunned when the movie, which he produced, failed to be recognised by the Academy.

And Daniels admits the disappointment made the Oscar buzz about his latest venture, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, even more of a surprise.

He tells the New York Daily News, "(The Oscar buzz) scares me. I did a movie called The Woodsman, and they kept talking about it being Oscar-worthy. When it didn’t happen, I was in a foetal position with my down comforter over me for a very long time.

"I was completely thrown off guard (when I heard Precious could be in line for an Oscar). I was like.. Oscar who?"