The New Yorker Wins Oscar for ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’ & More Nominations

The New Yorker’s “Two People Exchanging Saliva” Wins a 2026 Oscar: A Rising Force in Short Film

The New Yorker’s satirical short film, “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” took home the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles. The win underscores a remarkable run for the magazine’s film division, marking its second consecutive year claiming the prize in this category. This success raises questions about the New Yorker’s growing influence in cinematic storytelling and its unique approach to short-form content.

A Second Win for The New Yorker

This year’s victory wasn’t an isolated incident. In 2025, the New Yorker won the same award for “I’m Not a Robot,” a dark comedy. Adding to the recognition, another New Yorker film, “Retirement Plan,” received a nomination for Best Animated Short in 2026. This demonstrates a consistent level of quality and creative vision within the magazine’s film productions.

What “Two People Exchanging Saliva” Is About

Directed by Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, “Two People Exchanging Saliva” presents a deliberately unsettling scenario. The film depicts a world where kissing is prohibited and transactions are completed through physical slaps – a pointed commentary on consumerism and authoritarian control. The filmmakers drew inspiration from real-world events, specifically referencing the “Woman Life Freedom” movement in Iran in 2022 and broader instances of repressive regimes. According to Singh and Musteata, the film aims to explore “the quiet power of tenderness, especially in repressive societies.” They further explained to The New Yorker that satire allows audiences to question the norms of their own world, asking “Why do we accept our own world as natural, when it is often no less strange than any satire?”

The New Yorker’s Expanding Film Portfolio

The success of “Two People Exchanging Saliva” is part of a larger trend. Over the past decade, The New Yorker has significantly expanded its video and film offerings, becoming a notable producer of short-form content. In total, twenty-one films released by the magazine have been nominated for Academy Awards, beginning with “Stutterer” in 2015.

Beyond the Oscar-nominated and winning films, the magazine has also released a substantial library of documentary shorts. Four documentaries – “Extremist,” “Cashing Out,” “Rovina’s Choice,” and “Last Days on Lake Trinity” – were short-listed for Oscar consideration in 2026.

How to Watch The New Yorker’s Films

Viewers interested in exploring The New Yorker’s film collection can locate past winners, nominees, and the full library of short films on the magazine’s website at newyorker.com/video. The magazine also maintains a dedicated YouTube channel featuring its cinematic work.

The New Yorker’s Unique Approach to Short Film Production

The New Yorker’s success in short film is notable because it deviates from traditional film production models. The magazine isn’t a studio; it’s a literary and cultural institution. This allows it to take creative risks and prioritize artistic vision over commercial considerations. The magazine’s established brand and audience also provide a built-in platform for distribution and recognition. The involvement of high-profile executive producers, such as Julianne Moore and Isabelle Huppert for “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” further elevates the profile of these films.

Staying Informed: The New Yorker’s Newsletter

For those seeking ongoing coverage of The New Yorker’s film releases, movie reviews, and profiles of industry figures, the magazine offers a daily newsletter. Subscribers receive updates directly in their inbox, ensuring they don’t miss out on the latest cinematic offerings. You can sign up for the newsletter here.

The New Yorker’s continued success at the Academy Awards signals a significant shift in the landscape of short film production and distribution. The magazine’s commitment to artistic storytelling and its unique platform position it as a rising force in the world of cinema.