Sam Henderson, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of FDM and Theatre Arts Baylor University
Media
Biography
Sam's most recent short film, ADO, starring beloved Hollywood veteran Jenifer Lewis, won the HBO Short Film Showcase at the American Black Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Bronzelens International Film Festival and San Jose International Film Festival making it 4x Oscar-eligible for the 2026 Best Live Action Short. It was then Shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards for Best Live Action Short Film. ADO made its World Premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Flickerfest in Syndey, Australia and went on to screen at an additional ten other Oscar-qualifying fests, including the Cleveland International Film Festival, where it won the FilmSlam Student Choice Award, Florida Film Festival, Hollyshorts, SantFe International Film Festival and the Dallas International Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Texas Short. ADO also screened at several fests that perennially appear on the MovieMaker Top 50, including Catalina, Tacoma, Tallgrass, Cordillera, Cannes Indie Shorts and DC Shorts, where it won the Audience Award and the award for Best Performance.
His previous film, BREAK, shot on black and white 35mm, premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Austin Film Festival and went on to screen at the Oscar-qualifying St. Louis International Film Festival. It was nominated for Outstanding Music at the Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles and won Best Drama Short at Cincinnati’s Cindependent Film Festival. Sam’s earlier film, Con Alma, premiered at the Oscar-qualifying RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and again at the St. Louis International Film Festival, as well. Con Alma was also a finalist for the WeScreenplay Diverse Voices competition.
Sam’s teleplay, The Walls, a community drama set in 90s-Huntsville, Texas, won a direct pitch to A+E and was selected as a Second Rounder at Austin Film Festival. He is also currently represented by Christian Rodriquez at AAO Entertaiment.
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Shortlisted, Academy Award for Short Film
2026
Education
University of San Diego
M.F.A.
Acting
Baylor University
B.F.A.
Theatre Performance
Links
Media Appearances
Waco Short Film Getting Oscar Buzz
FOX 44 News online
2026-01-02
Directed by Sam Henderson and edited by Maverick Moore, two professors in Baylor University’s Film and Digital Media school, the short film ‘Ado’ has been shortlisted for an Oscar. The film has received positive reviews and several awards throughout the course of the year, including the HBO Short Film Award Showcase at the American Black Film Festival. According to Henderson, winning that showcase was the first time he realized how far the film could go.
Baylor Connections - Sam Henderson
103.3 KWBU radio
2025-05-09
Many will recognize Sam Henderson's voice from his role as the announcer of Baylor Commencement exercises, but his impact at Baylor extends far beyond that stage.
A professional actor, screenwriter and professor, Henderson shares his path to stage and screen and unpacks the ways those experiences shape his classroom teaching in Baylor's Film and Digital Media Department.
Ready to roll: New MFA program prepares next generation of filmmakers
Baylor Lariat online
2024-09-12
Graduate Program Director Dan Shafer said with Hansen and assistant professor Sam Henderson, he created the curriculum for the new program. While the program was still in the works, he said he made very clear to the university that an MFA was necessary for the Film and Digital Media department in order to enhance Baylor’s reputation of excellence.
