A former contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race will be the first performer the Oscars will consider for both male and female awards.

Kelly Mantle's role in Confessions Of A Womanizer is eligible for both best supporting actor and actress nominations.

Kelly, who is gender fluid, appeared in series six of the US reality show in 2014.

The director of the movie shared the decision on the film's Facebook page.

"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," writes Miguel Ali.

"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."

The Academy Awards has contacted Newsbeat to confirm the story.

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"Of course - I hope we get Kelly nominated," added Miguel Ali.

"Regardless, we are bringing the spotlight to our androgynous and transgendered community.

"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."

Kelly has previously appeared in TV shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nip/Tuck, NYPD Blue and CSI.

Despite the Oscars' decision on how Kelly will be considered for the 2017 awards, it is unlikely he will score a nomination.

Experts are tipping major stars such as Jeff Bridges, Hugh Grant, Aaron Eckhart, Dev Patel and Jeremy Renner among the names tipped to pick up best supporting actor nominations.

Viola Davis, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Nicole Kidman are tipped for supporting actress nods.

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The Oscars faced criticism in 2016 due to a lack of diversity in this year's nominees.

In June it was announced that 700 people had been invited to join the Academy Awards' judging committee, with a focus on women and ethnic minorities.

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