Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby has been touted as a potential replacement to host the Oscars, after the sudden withdrawal of comedian Kevin Hart.

The Motion Picture Academy has been scrambling to find a fill-in for February's ceremony, after Hart, named as host on Wednesday, was forced to quit just 24 hours later following the discovery of his homophobic past tweets.

Gadsby was one of a number of suggestions put forth by Hollywood trade publication Variety, alongside proven veterans like Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris and popular newcomers rapper-turned-actress Awkwafina and Girls Trip actress Tiffany Haddish.

The Tasmanian comedian has proven adept at leading award night dicsussions, stealing the show at September's Emmy Awards.