Emmys 2012: Margaret Cho excited about nomination for Kim Jong-il portrayal

(CBS News) Margaret Cho woke up this morning to Emmy nomination news.

The comedienne/actress received a nod - her first -  for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her role as late North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, on "30 Rock."

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"I'm so excited to have been nominated for an Emmy, especially for '30 Rock,' which is an incredible show and also for playing a deranged and deceased world dictator who has divided the small country of my origin in two," Cho told CBSNews.com. "That's the best part. I think that's what I'd call iron curtain irony."

Cho is up against another "30 Rock" contender: Elizabeth Banks, who portrays  Avery Jessup on the NBC series.

Other nominees include Kathy Bates as Charlie Harper on CBS' "Two and a Half Men" and Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Shannon Beiste on Fox's "Glee." They join two "Saturday Night Live" guest stars - hosts Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy.

Earlier this year, Cho told CBSNews.com about what it was like to play Jong-il.

"I think they were just looking for someone who looks like him -- who could do that," Cho said. "And I really look like him. And unfortunately, exactly like him. And it was really an easy part to do. And it was a lot of fun. It was interesting to go and do that transformative bald cap and then the wig on top."

Cho said she'd like to resurrect the character next season.

For more on Cho's "30 Rock" role and other projects, check out CBSNews.com's interview below: