Oscar-Nominated ‘The Singers’ Brings Russian Story to Netflix with Viral Stars
- Sam Davis’s Oscar-nominated short film, “The Singers,” a contemporary adaptation of an Ivan Turgenev story, is arriving on Netflix this Friday, February 13, 2026.
- Davis, previously an Oscar nominee as a producer on the documentary short “Nai Nai & Wài Pó,” approached this project with a unique casting strategy.
- The film’s premise, adapted from Turgenev’s 19th-century short story, resonates with a modern sensibility.
Sam Davis’s Oscar-nominated short film, “The Singers,” a contemporary adaptation of an Ivan Turgenev story, is arriving on Netflix this Friday, . The film, which centers on a group of men finding unexpected connection through song in a local pub, has already garnered 35 awards across 49 film festivals since its premiere at SXSW last year.
Davis, previously an Oscar nominee as a producer on the documentary short “Nai Nai & Wài Pó,” approached this project with a unique casting strategy. Eschewing traditional casting calls, he scouted talent directly from online platforms like Instagram and TikTok, seeking out viral video singers. The resulting cast, comprised of first-time actors, includes Mike Young, Chris Smither, Will Harrington, Judah Kelly, Matthew Corcoran, Hutch, and Tio Rigo & Mr. George. This approach, as Davis explained to Variety, was about finding “geniuses in the rough, hiding in plain sight in a pub.”
The film’s premise, adapted from Turgenev’s 19th-century short story, resonates with a modern sensibility. “The Singers” explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and the unifying power of music, offering a glimpse into the lives of men grappling with loneliness and seeking solace in shared experience. The story, Davis noted, allowed him to tell a timely story of male loneliness.
The production itself was notable for its commitment to authenticity. Shot on 35mm film, the singing within the film was performed live on set, capturing the raw emotion of the moment. Iconic songs featured include interpretations of “The House of the Rising Sun” and “Unchained Melody.” Davis also allowed for significant improvisation, encouraging the cast to draw upon their own experiences and stories to shape their performances.
This commitment to naturalism extends to the film’s origins. Davis’s inspiration for the project was partially sparked by a viral video of a subway busker, solidifying his vision for a film populated by undiscovered voices. He described to Gold Derby the process of convincing these online talents that his outreach wasn’t a scam. The result is a film that feels both intimate and immediate, driven by the performances of its unconventional cast.
The acquisition of “The Singers” by Netflix signals the streaming giant’s continued investment in short-form storytelling, particularly as awards season intensifies. The film is currently shortlisted for the Best Live Action Short Oscar, with nominations expected to be announced soon. This acquisition grants Netflix global streaming rights, expanding its awards-season slate and providing a platform for Davis’s unique vision.
“The Singers is a love letter to underdogs and diamonds in the rough,” Davis told Deadline, “so for audiences around the world to be able to see these unsung talents on Netflix is truly a dream come true for our whole team.”
Beyond its streaming debut, “The Singers” will also be available in theaters as part of a larger showcase of Oscar-nominated short films, courtesy of Roadside Attractions, starting in . The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for .