Valentina Merli Wins Historic Oscar for Italy with “Two People Exchanging Saliva”

Bologna-born filmmaker Valentina Merli has made history, becoming the first Italian to win an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. She shared the award with Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata for their co-produced film, “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” at the 98th Academy Awards on March 16, 2026.

A Landmark Achievement for Italian Cinema

Merli’s win is a significant moment for Italian cinema, which has long sought greater international recognition according to National Today. The success of “Two People Exchanging Saliva” demonstrates the potential of international co-productions and the artistic merit of short films.

About “Two People Exchanging Saliva”

The dystopian short film, co-produced by Merli’s Paris-based production company Misia Films, premiered at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival as reported by National Today. It stars Iranian actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi and explores a world where kissing is punishable by death. The film shared the Oscar with “The Singers” in a rare tie.

A Call for Increased Support for Italian Cinema

Despite her joy, Merli expressed concern about the lack of support for cinema in Italy. “I’m sorry that Italy is absent,” she told ANSA from the Dolby Theater foyer. “Yet we have such a solid and admired tradition throughout the world. We have fantastic directors, actors and technicians. I think that cinema, like all culture, is not supported enough in Italy.” Libero.it reports.

Valentina Merli’s Background

Merli, 53, was born and raised in Bologna before moving to France in 1999 to pursue her career in cinema according to Il Sole 24 Ore. She founded Misia Films with Violeta Kreimer, focusing on supporting new directors and independent projects. Her previous work includes Daniele Luchetti’s “Laces,” which opened the 2020 Venice Film Festival, and collaborations with Chilean filmmaker Raúl Ruiz.

International Recognition

Merli’s Oscar win has been widely celebrated as a triumph for Italian filmmaking and a testament to the power of international collaboration MSN reports. The award highlights the growing importance of short films as a platform for artistic expression.