Kelly Mantle Becomes First Performer Eligible For Both Best Actor And Actress Oscar In Same Film

Kelly Mantle may have been the first contestant kicked off of her season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but she may now be the first to be nominated for an Oscar as well.

The legendary performer was in the business long before becoming a RuGirl, and it looks like her years of work in the industry have led to her making history.

The Academy announced it will let Mantle be considered for both Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress for her role in the indie film Confessions of a Womanizer—a decision that is believed to be the first of its kind for the Oscar race.







Miguel Ali wrote and directed the film and pushed for Mantle to be considered under both categories.

Although she isn’t nominated yet, Ali acknowledged that it is a huge breakthrough to have her eligible under both genders.

“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,” Ali wrote on Facebook. “I firmly believe that our androgynous/transgendered 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/transgendered brothers and sisters.”

Watch the scene with Mantle and Andrew Lawrence that was submitted for Oscar consideration below.





