Mariah Carey coy about Oscars

Mariah Carey's being coy about her new film Precious' Oscar chances.

"I know nothing about that," the singer joked as she and husband Nick Cannon rushed into the Hollywood screening.

The film premiered to a star-studded audience at AFI Fest 2009, held by The American Film Institute.

Some of Tinseltown's biggest stars - including Will Smith and Eva Longoria - turned out to see what all the buzz was about.

The film's executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry came along especially to show the film at the festival, which is often seen as a good launch pad for movies that go on to be big at the Academy Awards.

Mo'Nique, who stars in the film, told reporters: "Any buzz makes me feel incredible, any time anyone says 'we appreciate what you did' it feels good."

But director Lee Daniels admitted he was trying not to get his hopes up.

"I'm in my bubble. The minute I embrace that concept of Oscar buzz then I'm in the foetal position with the covers over my head, chain smoking with a bottle of tequila, sitting next to the phone waiting for my agent to call me. I can't go there, I don't even embrace it."