The Sun-Times, citing unnamed sources inside the academy, said that event organizers felt Winfrey's presence would expand the show's audience and, given that her daytime talk show ended only recently, organizers believe she will lure her legions of fans to the 84th Oscar show in February.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which gives out the film industry's highest honors, had no immediate comment. Should Winfrey host the show, she would become the third solo female to do so behind Whoopi Goldberg - who hosted four times - and Ellen DeGeneres. Earlier this year, actress Anne Hathaway co-hosted the Oscars with James Franco in an attempt by the Academy to lure in younger viewers.