Potterville, Michigan Native Wins Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film

A former Michigan man is in the national spotlight after winning an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.

The Oscars were presented last night, Sunday, March 15th, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Sam A. Davis, a native of Pottersville, won for his film The Singers, about an impromptu singing contest at a bar. Davis directed, shot, produced, and edited the film.

During his acceptance speech, Davis showed some love for his parents, as well as the Great Lakes State.

First, I want to thank my parents, who convinced a kid from Potterville, Michigan, that this was a viable career avenue.

You can see the full acceptance speech below.

In a surprise twist, The Singers tied for the Oscar with the film Two People Exchanging Saliva.

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I was watching the Oscars live, so I was pretty surprised when I heard Sam A. Davis mention Pottersville, Michigan - a small town known for its annual Gizzard Fest.

That’s right - Gizzard Fest. The event features live music, a carnival, a gizzard-eating contest, a parade, vendors, and more. If that sounds like fun, here are the dates for 2026.

• Friday, June 5th, 2026
• Saturday, June 6th, 2026
• Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Could Sam A. Davis be inspired to turn this unique festival into a movie?

In the meantime, The Singers is available to stream on Netflix right now.