In fairness to JJ Abrams, it's in his own best interest to big-up the star of the next Star Wars film, particularly considering that he's involved as an Executive Producer - but nevertheless, the director has already managed to create an Oscar buzz around it.

The Rian Johnson-directed 'The Last Jedi' is due out at the end of the year and Abrams has singled out Mark Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker for particular praise.

Speaking at the pre-Oscars event the Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles last week, Abrams told the New York Daily News: "I think we are all going to be very upset if he does not win an Oscar, and no one more upset than Mark.”

He added: "He is hysterically funny. He has done comedy. He is an amazing guy - he can do anything.”

Coincidentally, last week Hamill tweeted a picture of himself with Abrams on Skellig Michael during filming for 'The Force Awakens', making a jokey reference to his one-line appearance with the hashtag "#SlowlyTurnRemoveHoodButDontStartYourLengthyOscarWorthyMonologue
UntilYouGetToThatRockOverThere".