Most Americans have no idea who's up for an Oscar this year

ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

http://players.brightcove.net/2399754132001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5294798883001

And the Oscar goes to .. um, you know, that movie, with that guy, about that thing..

That's how the average American might hand over the hardware come trophy time this Sunday. A National Research Group poll conducted for the Hollywood Reporter found that 60 percent of Americans polled in early February could not name a single best-picture nominee. But 70 percent plan to watch the awards show, airing at 7 p.m. on ABC, anyways.

The poll surveyed 800 people, have of whom voted for Hillary Clinton and half of whom voted for Donald Trump in November's election, to ensure a balanced representation.

To refresh your memory, the nominees are "Arrival," "La La Land," "Moonlight," "Fences," "Hacksaw Ridge," "Manchester by the Sea" and "Lion."

Judging from buzz and other awards leading up to the Oscars it looks like "Moonlight," then "La La Land" are the favored contenders. "Hidden Figures" was filmed in metro Atlanta.

MORE: Where "Hidden Figures" filmed in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia

PHOTOS: Much greater diversity in this year's slate of nominees