Artists and filmmakers Alexander Singer and Nathalie Mustita won the Oscar for best live-action short on Sunday for their dystopian short film The two exchange saliva. However, in a rare move, they did not win the award individually. The award is tied with Musical Comedy Short Film singers.
The two exchange saliva 36 minutes long, in French, and singersThe 18-minute musical comedy, directed by Sam Davis, tells the story of a group of strangers who connect through music during a time of widespread social isolation.
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Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, who presented the award, seemed as surprised as the nominees. “It’s a draw — I’m not kidding, it’s actually a draw,” he said onstage. “Everybody calm down, we’re going to get through this, stay focused.”
Singer and Mustita’s film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and has since been widely circulated at international film festivals. Set in present-day Paris, it imagines a society where kissing, and almost any form of physical intimacy, is illegal and punishable by death. In this strange economic climate, customers are paying for everyday items by giving store employees ritual slaps. The story follows Marais, a department store salesgirl, and Angina, an elegant regular, as they struggle to contain their growing attraction in a world where even minor infractions can be fatal.
Singer, who is known for his sophisticated acting and narrative craftsmanship, used the opportunity during his acceptance speech to downplay Timothée Chalamet’s recent comments. “We believe that art can change people’s souls… We can change society through art and creativity, through theater and ballet,” he told the audience.
Afterward, Mustiata described the victory simply: “It’s a dream.”
Singer has previously exhibited with galleries such as Sprüth Magers and the now-closed Metro Pictures. Musteata, a writer and curator with a PhD in art history, has collaborated with him on several projects including exhibitions, films and publications, including the exhibition “Gothic Stories” and short films Dating.
