Role battle: Kristen Stewart & Jennifer Lawrence

Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence are vying for the same role in a new film in hopes of winning an Oscar.

The two young stars of Twilight and Hunger Games fame have both publicly spoken up about their interest in playing Peyton Loftis in the film adaptation of William Styron's novel Lie Down in Darkness.

The film, which will be directed by Crazy Heart's Scott Cooper, is set in the 1950s and tells the story of a troubled young woman involved in an incestuous relationship with her father.

Kristen Stewart at the Cannes Film Festival, 25th May 2012. Source: Getty

A source told the New York Post that the young women see the independent film as a 'career-making role, like Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice'.

Stewart, 22, said in a recent interview with Elle:

"I want to play Peyton more than anything I can possibly taste or touch in my life. I want to play her so bad."

She added: "They’re the most f*****-up family. There’s a script adaptation I've read and it’s good."

Jennifer Lawrence at the Amber Fashion Show and Charity Auction in Monaco 25th May 2012. Source: Getty

21-year-old Lawrence also expressed her interest in the role, telling W: "I am obsessed with that part. I have this feeling of protectiveness over characters I want to play."

She explained: "If someone else gets the part, I’m afraid they won’t do it right. I’m trying to write the director... to convince him that I should be in his movie. I’ll chase him if I have to. I’ll sit outside his house."

A source told the New York Post of the young stars' recent comments: "It is very unusual for two actresses to be so vocal in lobbying for a role... And even more unusual that they are the two hottest young actresses of the moment."