The world of short film is often a breeding ground for innovative storytelling, and 2026’s Academy Awards ceremony saw The New Yorker continue its impressive streak in the category. “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” a darkly comedic and thought-provoking short film, tied for the Best Live Action Short Film Oscar with “The Singers” at the ceremony held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This win marks the second consecutive year a film produced by the magazine has received the honor, following the 2025 win for “I’m Not a Robot.” The recognition underscores The New Yorker’s growing influence in cinematic storytelling and its commitment to supporting unique and challenging artistic visions. The magazine likewise received a nomination for Best Animated Short for “Retirement Plan,” further solidifying its presence at the prestigious awards show.
“Two People Exchanging Saliva,” directed by Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, presents a surreal and unsettling world where a simple kiss is forbidden, and transactions are completed through physical acts of violence – specifically, slaps to the face. This bizarre premise, according to the filmmakers, serves as a potent commentary on Western consumerism and the insidious nature of authoritarianism. The film draws parallels to the “Woman Life Freedom” movement that began in Iran in 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran’s morality police, highlighting the global struggle against oppression and the yearning for basic human connection. The film’s executive producers include acclaimed actors Julianne Moore and Isabelle Huppert, lending further prestige to the project.
A Satirical Reflection on Societal Norms
The core of “Two People Exchanging Saliva” lies in its ability to invert societal norms and force viewers to question the foundations of their own world. Singh and Musteata, in an interview with The New Yorker, explained that their intention was to explore the “quiet power of tenderness, especially in repressive societies.” They believe that art, through its capacity to evoke the taboo and the absurd, can offer a glimpse into alternative social orders, prompting critical self-reflection. The film’s unsettling premise isn’t meant to shock for shock’s sake, but rather to provoke a deeper understanding of the often-unacknowledged strangeness inherent in our own accepted realities. The film’s success at the Oscars suggests a resonance with audiences and Academy voters who appreciate bold and unconventional storytelling.
The film’s unique approach to storytelling has garnered significant attention. The use of slaps as currency is a particularly striking element, visually representing the transactional nature of many modern interactions and the often-hidden violence embedded within economic systems. This symbolic gesture, combined with the prohibition of physical affection, creates a world that is both alienating and disturbingly familiar. The Parisian setting, a city often associated with romance and beauty, further amplifies the film’s unsettling contrast, highlighting the dissonance between idealized notions and harsh realities.
The New Yorker’s Expanding Cinematic Footprint
This Oscar win isn’t an isolated incident for The New Yorker. The magazine has been steadily increasing its presence in the film industry, producing a growing number of critically acclaimed short films. In 2025, “I’m Not a Robot” took home the Best Live Action Short Film Oscar, demonstrating the magazine’s commitment to supporting innovative cinematic voices. Prior to that, in 2015, “Stutterer” won the Academy Award in the same category, marking the magazine’s first foray into Oscar success. In total, twenty-one films released by The New Yorker have received Academy Award nominations, a testament to the quality and originality of the work it supports.
Beyond the Oscar-winning and nominated films, four documentary shorts released by The New Yorker were shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards: “Extremist,” “Cashing Out,” “Rovina’s Choice,” and “Last Days on Lake Trinity.” These films tackle a range of crucial social and political issues, showcasing the magazine’s dedication to impactful storytelling. “Cashing Out,” for example, examines an investment strategy that reportedly profited from the deaths of individuals during the AIDS crisis, a controversial topic that highlights the ethical complexities of financial markets. The breadth of these nominations and shortlists demonstrates The New Yorker’s commitment to diverse perspectives and challenging narratives.
“Retirement Plan” and the Power of Animated Storytelling
While “Two People Exchanging Saliva” secured the Oscar, “Retirement Plan,” directed by John Kelly, also garnered significant recognition with a nomination for Best Animated Short. The film, featuring the voice work of Domhnall Gleeson, explores the anxieties and aspirations surrounding retirement through a whimsical and emotionally resonant narrative. Kelly described the film as a way to confront his own feelings of being “time-poor” and overwhelmed by possibilities, using animation as a medium to explore these complex emotions. The film’s ability to blend humor and poignancy within its short runtime – less than eight minutes – resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The success of both “Two People Exchanging Saliva” and “Retirement Plan” highlights the power of short films as a medium for artistic expression and social commentary. Short films often provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and allow for experimentation with form and content that might not be possible in longer formats. The New Yorker’s support of this art form is contributing to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape.
Looking Ahead: Accessing The New Yorker’s Film Collection
For those interested in exploring The New Yorker’s impressive collection of short films, the magazine offers a dedicated video platform at newyorker.com/video. The platform features past winners, nominees, and a wide range of other short films, providing a valuable resource for film enthusiasts. The magazine also maintains a YouTube channel, accessible at YouTube, where viewers can find a selection of its films. Subscribers to The New Yorker’s daily newsletter receive updates on new film releases, movie reviews, and profiles of actors and directors, ensuring they stay informed about the magazine’s cinematic offerings.
The continued success of The New Yorker in the short film arena signals a broader trend of magazines and literary publications expanding into visual media. This convergence of storytelling formats offers exciting possibilities for artistic innovation and audience engagement. As The New Yorker continues to produce and support high-quality short films, it is likely to remain a significant force in the cinematic world, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The magazine’s commitment to supporting unique voices and tackling complex themes positions it as a vital platform for independent filmmakers and a source of compelling and thought-provoking content for audiences worldwide.
The Academy Awards ceremony will continue to be a key event for recognizing cinematic achievement, and The New Yorker’s ongoing success suggests that short films will continue to play an increasingly important role in the industry. As the magazine looks ahead, it is poised to further expand its cinematic footprint and contribute to a more diverse and innovative film landscape. The next major event for the magazine’s film division will likely be the announcement of submissions for the 2027 awards season, offering another opportunity to showcase its commitment to exceptional storytelling. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on The New Yorker’s cinematic achievements and the broader impact of short films in the comments below.