Following the recent release of their shortlist for Best Visual Effects, AMPAS (Academy Motion Picture of Arts and Science) have unveiled another bake-off list which regards the seven contenders for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

As predicted, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey makes the list along with other genuine nominees including three upcoming releases; Hollywood biopic Hitchcock, musical epic Les Miserables and historical biopic Lincoln. Sci-fi blockbusters Looper and Men in Black 3 and fantasy adventure Snow White and the Huntsman complete the group of films competing for the final three nominations on Oscar announcement day.

Usually the Makeup branch are known to make a couple of surprise exclusions with upcoming fantasy epic Cloud Atlas and French thriller Holy Motors being the strongly tipped films to miss out in the end.

The three nominees for Best Makeup and Hairstyling will be revealed alongside the other Oscar categories on January 10th 2013.