KEVIN HART has stepped down for hosting the 2019 Academy Awards, the search is on to find a replacement. Variety caught up with “The Chi” creator and Emmy winner Lena Waithe several hours after Hart bowed out following backlash over homophobic jokes from his past, and Waithe already has ideas in mind.

“Let Donald Glover do it,” Waithe said. “Donald would be dope. He’d be funny. I would like that.”

Waithe continued, “Wanda [Sykes] would be lit. I vote for Wanda or Donald or get Chris Rock back in there. Let’s get Eddie [Murphy] out of the house. I hope it’s somebody black and somebody funny.”

Hart was originally announced as Oscars host Dec. 4, but the hiring became controversial given the comedian’s history of making jokes containing LGBTQ slurs and derogatory words. After initially refusing to apologize, Hart stepped down, saying, “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past. I’m sorry that I hurt people. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together, not tear us apart.”

Waithe told Variety that Hart didn’t have to step down, and he could’ve instead used the platform of Oscars host to create a teachable moment for himself and the nation. Waithe’s opinion is similar to GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.

Waithe did not express interest in hosting the Oscars herself, but her thoughts are being echoed across the Internet as names such as Tiffany Haddish are being thrown around as top contenders for a replacement. The Oscars air Sunday, Feb. 24.

(SD-Agencies)