We’re incredibly thrilled to congratulate Sam Davis and the team behind The Singers—one of the standout films showcased at this year’s WYO Film Festival—on being officially nominated for the 98th Academy Awards in the Live Action Short Film category.
Earlier this season, The Singers was named to the Academy’s shortlist, a major milestone that recognizes a film as one of the strongest contenders in its category and places it one step closer to an Oscar nomination. Today, the film received the official nomination securing its place among this year’s very best Live Action Short Films.
We couldn’t be more proud to have screened The Singers as part of the WYO Film Festival, and we’re honored to be cheering on the team as they head into Oscar night.
The full list of nominees can be viewed here.
If you missed the opportunity to join us for The Singers, which screened as part of our Mixed Rodeo Round-Up: Short Film Block, the film is a quietly powerful work that unfolds in an unassuming bar, where a spontaneous sing-off between working-class patrons transforms into something transcendent. Inspired by a 19th-century short story by Ivan Turgenev, the film explores vulnerability, shared humanity, and the unexpected beauty that emerges when people find their voices together. The cast includes first-time performers discovered through platforms like TikTok and YouTube, adding to the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.
During this year’s festival, The Singers connected with our audience not only for its craftsmanship, but for the emotional response it created in the theater. Festival attendees selected the film as the 2025 Audience Choice Award winner for Short Film, a distinction driven entirely by audience votes.
Watch the film trailer here:
The WYO Film Festival is honored to extend our congratulations to the filmmakers, cast, and crew behind The Singers. A special thank you to David Breschel and Sam Davis for submitting the film and trusting us to provide a meaningful, quality viewing experience for our attendees. We’re proud to have been part of this film’s journey and excited to watch the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
