Filmmaker and artist Alexandre Singh was part of a rare moment at the Academy Awards, where the Best Live-Action Short Film category ended in a tie for the first time since 2013. Singh’s film Two People Exchanging Saliva, co-directed with Natalie Musteata, shared the honour with The Singers, directed by Sam Davis.Two People Exchanging Saliva explores themes of repression and the human need for connection. Singh’s Oscar win also highlights an Indian connection on the global stage. Born in Bordeaux, France, to Indian and French parents and raised in Manchester, United Kingdom, he is known internationally for his work as both a filmmaker and visual artist. His work is part of major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.Accepting the award, Singh thanked the Academy for recognising “a French film made by a Franco-Indian Brit, a Romanian-American, an Argentinian, and an Italian,” calling it a true example of international collaboration. “We believe art can change people’s souls. Maybe it takes 10 years’ time, but we can change society through art, through creativity, through theatre and ballet, and cinema,” he emphasised.The last time Oscars saw tie was in 2013 when Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall bagged the award for sound editing.