Rahm Emanuel Allowed on Oscar Ballot as Best Supporting Actor

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unanimously agreed to allow Rahm Emanuel's name on the Oscar ballot in the prestigious and hotly contested category of Best Supporting Actor, in which he will be competing against Christian Bale, John Hawkes, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo and Geoffrey Rush. "I don't care what category I'm in," said a jubilant Emanuel. "It's an honor just to be nominated."

Though Emanuel did not actually appear in a motion picture during the 2010 calendar year, the former White House Chief of Staff was still found to meet the Academy's requirements for securing a nomination. "He's been seen by more people than many of the current nominees," said Academy spokesperson Melinda Wattermans. "And his skills as an actor certainly cannot be disputed."

Some Hollywood insiders like producer Joseph Klenner have questioned this decision, saying, "Emanuel's presence will turn the Academy Awards into some sort of garish circus and that's the last thing we want." But, Emanuel looks forward to the Oscar campaign, noting: "If Christian Bale does something bad in the next few weeks, then I have a real shot."