Oscar nominees surprised by rare tie for joint winners

The 2026 Oscars made history with a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category, leaving nominees and viewers alike baffled by the unexpected outcome. Presenter Kumail Nanjiani revealed the tie, declaring, “It’s a tie. I’m not joking. It’s actually a tie.” This surprising turn of events added an extra twist to the ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

The first Oscar went to “The Singers,” a musical directed by Sam Davis, which tells the story of an impromptu sing-off in a local bar. The second award was given to the French short film “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” a unique take on a society where kissing is punishable by death.

While ties at the Oscars are rare, they have occurred six other times in the history of the Academy Awards. The first tie took place in 1932, followed by various instances over the years, including notable ties between Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand in 1969 for Best Actress.

This year’s tie added a touch of unpredictability to the ceremony, with winners and nominees sharing the spotlight in a way that hasn’t been seen in nearly a decade. The Oscars continue to be a platform for recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent in the film industry, showcasing diverse stories and perspectives from around the globe.