Jerry Seinfeld says Oscars got 'screwed' when Kevin Hart stepped down as host

Kevin Hart's withdrawal as Oscars host won't hurt him in the long run, Jerry Seinfeld has predicted.

The comedian suggested during an interview with Sunday Today that Hart isn't the one who got "screwed" when he gave up on the hosting gig.

Hart announced earlier this month he would step down as host after being criticised for past homophobic tweets.

The ceremony is set to take place on 24 February and no replacement for Hart has been announced.

"Kevin is in a position, because he's a brilliant comedian, to kind of decide what he wants to do," Seinfeld said.

"He doesn't have to step down but he can. And when you look at that situation, well, who got screwed in that deal? I think Kevin's going to be fine.

"But finding another Kevin Hart, that's not so easy."

Seinfeld then reflected on how comedians are expected to be "most agile" when articulating their thoughts.

The option of having no-host Oscars following Hart's departure is believed to be on the table.

An insider told Variety there could be “a bunch of huge celebs, something ‘SNL’ style, and buzzy people” helming the ceremony.

Two sources told the magazine the Academy was blindsided by Hart's decision to step down, and one person said there were no contingency measures in place.