Oscars 2017: History made as former RuPaul's Drag Race star considered in male and female acting category

Producers submitted gender-fluid performer Kelly Mantle for Confessions of a Womanizer

(Getty Images)

Oscars history has been made following the announcement that gender-fluid star Kelly Mantle is in the running for both a Best Actor and Actress nomination at the upcoming ceremony.

The former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant, who stars in indie Confessions of a Womanizer, was submitted as both by the film's backers with the Academy confirming to The Hollywood Reporter that they accepted in a promisingly groundbreaking move.

Mantle, who was born a male, has been acting on stage and screen since the 90s. An appearance in the RuPaul-fronted reality series followed in 2014 - Mantle was eliminated in the first episode.

Confessions of a Womanizer co-stars Gary Busey and C. Thomas Howell who memorably starred in 1986 horror film The Hitcher.

Mantle stars as Ginger, a transgender prostitute who helps best friend Richie (Andrew Lawrence) address scars caused by his promiscuous life. The film is yet to be handed a UK release date.

The nominations for next year's Oscars ceremony - the host of which was announced earlier this week - will be announced on 24 January.