Two-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis has played down his chances of making film history and becoming the first actor to scoop an Oscar hat-trick.

The Lincoln star, who is the favourite to win best actor for his portrayal of the US President, said the awards ceremony was full of surprises.

"I don't think there's any way of knowing the outcome. The Academy particularly likes surprises," Day-Lewis said.

The actor, who attended the European premiere in Dublin with the film's director Steven Spielberg, insisted he would be the first to congratulate whoever wins the coveted award.

"There are very, very strong films with such wonderful performances, all of which I have seen," he said. "And I would be the first person to applaud any of my fellow nominees."

The 55-year-old won his first best actor Oscar in 1989 for My Left Foot and scooped his second six years ago for the critically acclaimed There Will Be Blood.

Winning a golden statuette on February 24 for his role in historical biopic Lincoln will see him become the first star ever to secure three best actor Academy Awards. Earlier this month, he won a coveted Golden Globe for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, who fought for the abolition of slavery during the American Civil War.