Oscar-shortlisted The Singers is streaming on OTT now. Where to watch? Check plot, cast and other details

This year’s short film sensation, The Singers, is finally available for global audiences to stream, and it’s a cinematic experience not to be missed. Oscar-shortlisted and generating buzz since its world premiere, the film fuses 19th-century Russian literature with contemporary storytelling, bringing an improvised pub sing-off to life. Featuring a cast discovered through viral videos and street casting, The Singers blends raw talent, historic inspiration, and modern filmmaking techniques, making it one of the most talked-about short films of the year.

Oscar-nominated short film

The Singers had its world premiere in the Narrative Short Competition at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 8, 2025. The film’s international streaming rights were acquired by Netflix on January 16, 2026, with a global release on February 13, 2026. It earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards, cementing its status as a must-watch.

Cast and plot

The cast includes Michael Young, Chris Smither, Will Harrington, Judah Kelly, and Matt Corcoran. Their performances, a mix of trained and raw talent, were discovered through unconventional casting techniques, including viral videos and street auditions. This approach captures an authenticity and spontaneity that perfectly complements the film’s improvised pub setting.


The narrative is adapted from Ivan Turgenev’s 19th-century story “Singers,” part of his 1852 short story cycle, A Sportsman’s Sketches. The adaptation was inspired by George Saunders’ 2021 literary analysis, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain. Director Sam A. Davis reimagined the story for a modern medium, creating a unique bridge between classic literature and contemporary film storytelling.

About Sam Davis

Sam A. Davis has steadily built a reputation as a filmmaker with a keen eye for storytelling in the short-film format. Beyond his Oscar-shortlisted work on The Singers, Davis has directed several other acclaimed short films, including Are You Still There?, Nai Nai & Wài Pó, and You Know Where to Find Me. Each of these projects showcases his ability to blend nuanced character studies with visually compelling narratives, often exploring themes of family, identity, and human connection.

In addition to directing, Davis has also made his mark behind the camera as a cinematographer. He was responsible for the cinematography of shorts like Long Line Of Ladies and Dìdi, where his visual storytelling enhanced the emotional depth of the films.