On the night of March 15 to 16, 2026, in Los Angeles, French cinema shone bright thanks to a Bordelais. Director Alexandre Singh, alongside Natalie Musteata, won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film for Two People Exchanging Saliva.
A rare… and shared victory
In a remarkable turn of events, the award was given ex æquo, a situation that has only happened 7 times in Oscar history. The Franco-American duo shares their prize with the American film The Singers. Despite this rare case, the victory remains symbolic: it is the only Oscar won by France this year.
The Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film is a tie between “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva.” #Oscars pic.twitter.com/eB3cgdmbvf
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 16, 2026
A Thought-Provoking Dystopian Fable Already Celebrated Worldwide
Produced by the French company Misia Films, this short film is no stranger to success. Since its first presentation in Clermont-Ferrand in January 2025, it has already won around 20 international awards, including the Audience Award and the Canal+ Award.
Shot in black and white, Two People Exchanging Saliva dives into an oppressive society where kissing is forbidden and punished. The story follows a love affair between two women in a world where human relationships are controlled, and violence takes the place of traditional interactions. Inspired by real events and controversial laws, it tackles powerful themes surrounding ...data-start="1822" data-end="1871">freedom, love, and social norms, through a poetic and political approach.
Bordeaux in the spotlight on the international stage
On stage, Alexandre Singh took this opportunity to highlight the role of art: « We make films because we believe that art can change souls (…) we can change society through art. »
With this award, he establishes himself as one of the directors to watch, while a full version of the film is already in preparation for 2027. For now, it is available on Canal+