JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IGNORING OSCARS BUZZ

Justin Timberlake is refusing to believe the Oscars hype over his performance in The Social Network - insisting he's always held "low expectations" of award predictions.

The singer/actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of Napster founder Sean Parker in the film, which shot to the top of the box office last weekend (01-03Oct10) with a gross of $23 million.

Critics have tipped Justin Timberlake to win an Academy Award for his role, but the 29 year old has brushed off the speculation.

He tells Britain's Live From Studio Five, "We paid for all of that (the buzz). (I have) low expectations. I make a whole career out of low expectations.

"If that is being said it must mean people like the film as a whole and that's the most you can hope for. In no way shape or form did I walk into this film trying to create a character that would facilitate something like that. All of the actors in the film give noteworthy performances."