Natalie Musteață wins Oscar for Best Short Film with 'Two People Exchanging Saliva'

Natalie Musteață has made history by winning the Oscar for Best Short Film in 2023 with her co-directed work, 'Two People Exchanging Saliva.' This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Romanian cinema on the global stage.

Reflecting on the cinematic landscape, Musteață noted that some of the best films in the world over the past two decades have been Romanian. She emphasized the remarkable creative energy of Romanian cinema, which has been revolutionized by the 'Noul Val Românesc' movement since the mid-2000s.

Alongside her husband, Alexandre Singh, Musteață co-directed the award-winning short film. Their collaboration is a testament to the vibrant artistic partnerships that enrich the film industry.

Romania has a rich history of cinematic excellence, with films like Cristian Mungiu's '4 luni, 3 săptămâni și 2 zile', which won the Palme d'Or in 2007, and other notable works such as 'Poziția copilului' and 'Babardeală cu bucluc sau porno balamuc', both of which also received prestigious awards.

Natalie Musteață's background is equally inspiring. Born and raised in the United States, she studied Political Science and Art History. Her family has deep roots in the arts, with her father being the son of theater director Alexa Visarion and her mother, Roxana Marcoci, serving as a leading curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York.

Roxana Marcoci is a remarkable figure in her own right, being the second woman in nearly 100 years to hold a leadership position at MOMA. Her journey includes a history of political activism, having joined the Goma Movement in 1977 and becoming a political refugee in Paris that same year after being interrogated daily during the communist regime.

The success of Natalie Musteață and the recognition of her film not only highlight her individual talent but also shine a light on the rich narrative of Romanian cinema and the enduring legacy of her family's commitment to art and culture.