Meet Indian-origin filmmaker Alexander Singh who wins Oscar 2026
Indian-origin writer-filmmaker Alexander Singh is the co-director of Two People Exchanging Saliva, which won the 2026 Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. Here’s everything you need to know about the talented filmmaker.
Indian-origin filmmaker Alexander Singh is currently gaining global attention after winning an Oscar for his short film two people are exchanging saliva. Singh is the co-director and co-writer of the French-language drama with Natalie Mastita, which won the award in the live-action short film category. The film shared the honor singerA rare tie was announced during Hollywood’s biggest night on March 16 (Indian time).
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The win has heightened curiosity about Singh, an Indian-born visual artist and filmmaker whose work blends fine art and cinema. Born in Bordeaux, France, Singh has built a reputation for experimental storytelling, and his latest project – co-directed with Mustetta – has now earned him global respect.
Who is Alexander Singh?
Singh was born in Bordeaux in 1980 to Indian parents and established himself in the world of visual arts before moving into filmmaking. His work often combines visual experimentation with narrative storytelling, reflecting his background in both art and cinema.
Prior to his Oscar-winning project, Singh directed several short films, including Appointment And make big plans. These works explored unconventional storytelling techniques and helped shape the distinctive style he later brought to life two people are exchanging saliva.
What is two people exchanging saliva about?
The 36-minute play focuses on a carefully constructed narrative world where characters and events unfold gradually rather than in direct action. Singh has said that his goal was to tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, while allowing the film’s rules and emotional context to gradually emerge before the audience.
To develop the project, the filmmakers studied narrative theory, taking inspiration from the book science of storytelling By Will Storr. He also used digital tools like Polycam and Blender to create virtual environments and plan scenes in innovative ways.
How did Singh and Mustaita start their collaboration?
Singh and Mustetta began working together in 2012, gradually developing a shared creative vision. Their first collaborative film, Appointment, was released in 2019 and helped define their joint artistic vision.
During his acceptance speech at the Oscars, Singh reflected on the role of creative work in society. He said that he believes that art has the power to influence people and bring about change over time through creativity, storytelling and cinema.