The latest edition of the Academy Awards saw a rare and memorable moment as the Live-Action Short Film category ended in a tie. Among the winners was filmmaker Alexandre Singh, whose project Two People Exchanging Saliva shared the honour alongside The Singers.Born in France to an Indian immigrant father from Punjab, Singh’s journey to the Oscars is deeply tied to his family’s migration story and his passion for the arts. His recent remarks about his father’s struggles and pride in his Indian heritage have added an emotional layer to his Oscar triumph.

Who is Alexandre Singh?

Filmmaker Alexandre Singh was born in 1980 in Bordeaux, France. His father had moved from Punjab, India, to the United Kingdom during the 1960s before marrying a French woman. Singh later pursued fine arts at the University of Oxford, where he developed his interest in visual storytelling and cinema. Before his Oscar-winning success, Singh directed several short films including Plan Large (2016) and The Appointment (2019). His latest project, Two People Exchanging Saliva, which he co-directed with Natalie Musteata, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2024.The film eventually went on to win an Oscar in the Live-Action Short Film category.

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What Alexandre said about his immigrant father

Speaking at a recent event, Singh reflected on the struggles his father faced as an immigrant. “In the 1960s, my father left Punjab to come to the United Kingdom with a beard and a turban. Can you imagine what the reception was like back then in the 1960s? It was very difficult for him. “He added that despite the hardships, his father worked tirelessly to build a life abroad. “Over that time, he got a BA, MSc, PhD. He worked his way up. He lost the beard and the turban. Singh also shared a deeply personal memory about his father’s life and personality. “He loved The Beatles. He loved France, French wine, a certain French woman — which is why I’m here.”

Reflecting on his connection with his heritage, Singh said: “He was so proud to be an Indian. I lost my father when I was 21, and it pains me that in some ways I lost my connection to my heritage.”

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What Alexandre said after winning the Oscar

After winning the Academy Awards, Singh spoke passionately about the power of art and creativity. “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.” The Live-Action Short Film category also honoured The Singers, directed by Sam A Davis and Jack Piatt, resulting in a rare tie at the Oscars.

Alexandre Singh’s Oscar victory is not just a milestone for his filmmaking career but also a story rooted in migration, identity and perseverance. From his father’s journey from Punjab to the United Kingdom to his own artistic path leading to Hollywood’s biggest stage, Singh’s story reflects how personal history and creativity can intersect in powerful ways.