Amy Madigan Wins Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Oscars

At the 2026 Oscars, Amy Madigan made history by winning her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons. This victory comes over 40 years after her initial nomination, setting a record for the longest gap between nominations for any actress. Madigan's portrayal of Aunt Gladys in the horror film resonated with audiences, leading to widespread acclaim. Her emotional acceptance speech highlighted her gratitude towards her husband, Ed Harris, and the film's director, Zach Cregger. This win not only celebrates Madigan's remarkable career but also signifies a rare recognition for the horror genre at the Oscars.
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Amy Madigan Wins Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Oscars

Historic Win for Amy Madigan


Oscars 2026: Renowned actress Amy Madigan celebrated a significant achievement at the 98th Academy Awards. Known for her role as Aunt Gladys in the film Weapons, she secured her first Oscar more than 40 years after her last nomination. At 75 years old, Madigan won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Weapons, marking a historic milestone in her illustrious career. This victory comes over four decades after her initial nomination for Twice in a Lifetime, setting a record for the longest interval between nominations for any actress.


Her win also highlighted a rare success for the horror genre at the Oscars, which has often been neglected in major acting categories. Madigan triumphed in a competitive lineup that featured Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value.



During her acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre, Madigan was visibly moved as she expressed gratitude to the film's creative team. "This is great!" she exclaimed with laughter while holding her Oscar statuette. She began by thanking director Zach Cregger, commending him for crafting a remarkable role. "He wrote a dream part and let me grab it by the throat, and we had a ball," she shared.


Madigan also took a moment to recognize her fellow nominees, praising their performances. Admitting to feeling nervous on stage, she humorously noted that her knees were shaking during her speech. A particularly touching moment occurred when she thanked her husband, esteemed actor Ed Harris, who has been her partner for many years. "Most of all, I want to thank my beautiful daughter Lily and her husband," she said. "But most important is my beloved Ed, who’s been with me forever - and that’s a long time. None of this would mean anything if he wasn’t by my side."



In Weapons, Madigan portrayed the eerie and unpredictable Aunt Gladys, a witch-like character who became one of the film's standout features. Her role resonated with audiences, leading to Halloween costumes, memes, and extensive social media discussions. The film itself was a box office hit, grossing approximately $270 million globally on a budget of less than $40 million, making it one of the year's most profitable horror films.