Hollywood,  California – The Academy Awards nominations for the 86th Oscars will not be announced until January 16, 2014, but already, controversy has come to Hollywood town.

Members of the Academy of  Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are crying foul over official submissions to the foreign language film category of the Oscars.  The root of the controversy is the fact that the Philippines has not one, but three entries. These include “Transit, ” the Philippines’ official submisson; “Metro Manila,” the U.K.’s submission and “Ilo Ilo,” the official entry of Singapore. All three have a theme about the Philippines and feature Filipino characters living in the country or abroad.

The protesting members said that  in effect, the Philippines has three entries in the said category. “That gives the  Philippines two extra chances of being nominated for, and awarded, an Oscar,” they said.

The Academy’s board of governors is set to meet next week to discuss the complaints and issue a ruling.

Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres, the host for the 86th Oscar Awards ceremonies, is reportedly thrilled about the “triple”  chances for the Philippines to win an Oscar.  It is common knowledge that Ellen has a special spot in her heart for Filipinos. Many of her invited guests for her “Ellen” show were great Filipino talents she discovered via the the Internet, among them singing star Charice, wonder boy Kai Langer and teen YouTube sensation Aldrich Lloyd Talonding.