A win would make it a hat-trick of best actor Oscar wins for the British-born star.

Also nominated is Naomi Watts, who was recognised for her role in Impossible with a nod in the best actress category.

And all-conquering pop megastar Adele gets nominated for her Bond theme Skyfall.

While Scots hopes for an Oscar will be pinned on Brave which has been nominated for best animated feature.

In the best actress category, UK-born Watts faces competition from US stars including Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Lawrence who were recognised for their roles in Zero Dark Thirty and Silver Linings Playbook respectively.

Also nominated are Quvenzhane Wallis and Emmanuelle Riva.

Day-Lewis is shortlisted alongside Les Miserables star Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington, Joaquin Phoenix and Bradley Cooper.

It is his fifth nomination in the category, which he won in 1989 for My Left Foot and in 2007 for There Will be Blood.

Les Miserables, directed by The King’s Speech filmmaker Tom Hooper, is in the running for best picture but Hooper failed to get a nomination in the directing category which he won in 2010.

The 2013 Academy Award nominations were announced in Hollywood by actors Seth MacFarlane and Emma Stone.

The ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, February 24.