Samantha Smart is an award winning screenwriter, actress, producer, and recently named finalist for the 2026 Academy gold fellowship for women presented in partnership with Chanel for her upcoming directorial debut “the river, night” (nominated by the Austin film festival).
She is the writer, producer, and lead actor of "Charliebird" which won the top prize at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The festival’s jury awarded the film with the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative feature and best performance in a feature film (given to Gabriela Ochoa Perez, in her feature film debut). The jury described the film as "a deeply affecting portrait featuring grounded and complex performances" and "an assured and well-crafted debut." Smart also contributed two original songs to the film.
For her work on "Charliebird," she was presented with Roger Ebert’s Golden Thumb award given by Ebertfest, was named one of Austin Film Festival's 'Screenwriters To Watch' for 2026 featured in MovieMaker Magazine, and received two Houston Association of Producers awards for best screenplay, and best actress. Additionally, the Houston Film Critics Society awarded "Charliebird" the Best of Houston Film prize. Screening at over 15 festivals across the globe, Charliebird took home several best film recognitions and nominations.
The proudest achievement for Sam is that “Charliebird” was made in her hometown in Texas with several members of her family, her third grade teacher, neighbors, and dear childhood friends. from background acting to catering to transportation, it was A real family and community effort.
in 2027 smart will attend the university of Georgia’s mfa screenwriting residency as an invited mentor and guest lecturer.
Smart’s acting career includes the 2026 Oscar® Nominated "Jane Austen's Period Drama," lots of off Broadway shows, and a few roles in a few television series.
Born and raised in League City, Texas, Smart graduated from Louisiana State University with degrees in classical music and dance on full scholarship.