Peter MacNicol has had his Emmy Award nomination revoked.

Nominees must appear in less than 50 per cent of that season's episodes to be considered eligible and Peter appeared in exactly half of 'Veep's 10-episode fifth season.

HBO said in a statement the information for the Emmys was submitted before season five had concluded, and at the time, the actor met the criteria, but he then made a seconds-long appearance in an episode which aired after the deadline for submissions.

The network added: "The information we received from the production was that Peter MacNicol was eligible as a guest star.

"We are very sorry that Peter's brilliant performance will not be recognised."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Television Academy will be announcing a new nominee for the category.

The rules for the guest actor and actress Emmys were changed last year following criticism that actors who had season-long appearances were eligible for prizes meant to be given to those with minor roles.

Peter isn't the first person to have an Emmy nomination withdrawn.

In 1995, Dennis Miller lost his recognition in the individual in a variety series category because his name featured in the show's title, which was against the rules.

And in 2000, Henry Winkler's guest actor nod was rescinded because his episode of 'Battery Park' aired after the cut-off date.