When you have two authors, MLA keeps it clean and chummy. In your sentence, simply write both last names joined by the word “and.” Follow that with a page number if you’re quoting or paraphrasing a specific point.
For example: “The silent film era reshaped visual storytelling (Gish and Pickford 45).” See? It’s like inviting two friends to your literary dinner party. No commas, no fuss—just a smooth, collaborative vibe.
Practical tip: Flip it around if you want to name the authors in your sentence. Write, “Gish and Pickford argue that silent film was deeply emotional (45).” This keeps the flow natural, like you’re sharing gossip at a café.
Fun Fact
Did you know the “and” in MLA citations is always spelled out, never replaced with an ampersand (&)? That’s because MLA wants citations to feel like conversation, not code. So save the symbols for your Instagram bio.
