Genderfluid actress up for ‘best male’ and ‘best female’ Oscars
A genderfluid actress has made Academy Awards history – by being in contention in both the male and female categories.
Best known for appearing on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Kelly Mantle is making a splash this year with a role in comedy Confessions of a Womanizer.
The film has put forward Mantle for consideration at the Academy Awards, and in a first, they’re up for both of the gender-segregated supporting role categories.
Director and writer Miguel Ali confirmed the news.
He said: “The Academy Awards have confirmed that Kelly Mantle will be considered for both the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress for her role in Confessions of a Womanizer – this is in recognition of her androgynous identity.
“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time in Oscar history that a person will be considered for an acting Oscar in both gender categories.
“Of course – I hope we get Kelly nominated. Regardless, we are bringing spotlight to our androgynous and transgender community. I’m grateful for the path that has already been carved by transgender/androgynous-empowering Oscar-contending films like Tangerine and others.
“I firmly believe that our androgynous/transgender acting community is the most untapped resource in Hollywood. We need to bring them more attention, and by doing so, we will create more empathy for our androgynous/transgender brothers and sisters.
“I also couldn’t be more impressed by the Academy Awards. What a wonderful institution.
“There is no doubt in my mind, that amongst Hollywood, they are doing everything they can to spotlight our androgynous and transgender community.”
Although any film can submit an actor for consideration, actually landing a nomination is another matter.
The nominees are usually announced at the end of January.
