Justin Timberlake to host the Oscars?

Justin Timberlake is in talks to host the Oscars in 2014.

The singer-and-actor is being considered to host next year's Academy Awards after impressing producers during his latest stint as a host on comedy sketch show, 'Saturday Night Live'.

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: 'The Oscar honchos are in discussions with Mr. SexyBack already. Getting Justin to host would now be a huge coup for the Oscars. He'd been considered before, but they always thought he was too young and not seasoned enough.'

'Now, he's the frontrunner for the job after showing he knows how to sing, dance, host, and improvise on the spot.'

The 'Mirrors' hitmaker - who hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for a fifth time earlier this month - was applauded by critics for his latest stint on the show, and the episode logged its best ratings for over a year with 8.4 million viewers tuning in.

Justin, 32, would follow in the footsteps of comedian Seth MacFarlane, who hosted the 2013 Oscars ceremony last month and polarised audiences.

The 'Ted' director was criticised for his risqué jokes and mischievous song-and-dance numbers, such as his 'We Saw Your Boobs' tribute to actresses who have gone topless on screen.

However, many were also supportive of Seth's performance and praised him for his daring jokes.

One filmmaker said: 'I don't blame Seth. He basically did his stock and trade. Why hire the guy if you didn't want his brand of humour? I actually thought, as a fan of 'Family Guy,' that he was pretty restrained.'