Mar 16, 2026 10:38am IST
Oscars 2026: ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’ Wins Best Live-Action Short; Director Alexandre Singh Reflects on His Indian Roots (EXCLUSIVE)
The Oscars unfolded today with winners celebrated across the globe, and among the night’s notable victories was “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” which won Best Live-Action Short Film in a tie with “The Singers.” Directed by Franco-Indian filmmaker Alexandre Singh along with Natalie Musteata, the film also carries an Indian connection. Speaking exclusively to Variety India, Singh and Musteata reflected on what the Oscar victory means to them.
Written by Singh and Musteata, “Two People Exchanging Saliva” is a 36-minute film set in a dystopian world where two people are forbidden from kissing. Explaining the unusual premise, Musteata said, “Our film is an absurdist love story set in a world where people are not allowed to kiss and where people pay for things by being slapped in the face.”
Talking about their experience at the Oscars, Musteata said, “It’s surreal. It’s so incredible. We don’t come from the film industry, and this is the first film we’ve made together. Being here feels magical. It’s really like a dream come true.”
Related Stories
Singh added, “It’s wonderful to see cinema and artistry being recognized, especially with a spotlight on short films. We’re so proud that the incredible cast and crew who made this film are being seen by some of the most accomplished directors and artists we grew up admiring. And now they’re watching our film. That’s incredibly special.”
Singh also spoke about the personal significance of the moment, remembering his father who migrated from Punjab to the United Kingdom in the 1960s.
“Well, I think for me it’s particularly meaningful. My father came from Punjab to the United Kingdom in the 1960s with a turban and a beard. He ended up falling in love with the Beatles, French wine and one French woman. And that’s why I’m here today. Even though he’s not around anymore, I think he would be incredibly proud. He was very proud of his Indian heritage, and for us to be part of this story is very meaningful.”
Speaking further about the film, Singh said, “It’s a strange, absurd and ridiculous premise. But in some ways it’s no more absurd than the moment we’re living in right now. That’s what the film reflects.”
Musteata added, “Even though some things that happen in the film are horrific, there are moments of hope. And that hope comes from the belief that love will always overcome hate.”
Concluding the conversation, Singh reflected on cinema’s ability to shape society. “Films have the capacity to change people’s minds. If you want to change society today, you go out into the streets and protest. But if you want to change society 10 years from now, you make a film. And it’s not either or. It’s both.”
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.