Amy Madigan is not just an Oscar winner; she is also a record-breaker! At the 98th Academy Awards held on Sunday, Madigan won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Aunt Gladys in Zach Cregger’s film, Weapons. Triumphing over competitors Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), she secured the award.
This victory was significant in it’s own right, but it also marked a monumental occasion for Madigan, occurring 40 years after her Academy Award nomination for the 1985 film Twice in a Lifetime, thus setting a new record for the longest interval between Oscar nominations for an actress.
Madigan’s victory represents a significant milestone for the horror genre, as it is the first time a supporting actress has won for a horror film since Ruth Gordon’s triumph for Rosemary’s Baby in 1969.
“This is fantastic!” Amy Madigan exclaimed as she received the award on Sunday. Reflecting on how this experience differs from her initial ones decades ago, she joked – “The difference is I now have this little golden figure.”
In concluding her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude to her daughter Lilly and her husband Ed Harris, a four-time nominee in his own right, celebrated for his performances in Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Pollack, and The Hours.
As per Amy Madigan, “The most significant person in my life is my dear Ed, who has been with me for what feels like an eternity. None of this would hold any value if he weren’t right there beside me.”
In the press room later on, she elaborated on her acclaimed performance as Gladys and discussed the exciting possibility of a prequel focused on the orange-haired witch.
According to Amy Madigan, “I’ve received that question numerous times. Zach Cregger, our writer and director, often responds with, ‘Yes, this will happen,’ but we understand the lengthy process involved. We are well aware of the nature of this industry, and nothing is certain until it actually occurs, considering timing and various other factors. However, if it all comes together, it would be fantastic because I have faith in Zach, and he has plenty of quirky ideas.”
She also discussed the progression of horror and the acknowledgment it is finally receiving from the Academy, especially with nominations for films such as Weapons and, of course, Sinners.
As per Amy Madigan, “As we all recognize, it felt somewhat like being seated at the children’s table during Thanksgiving. You find yourself somewhat isolated over there, but that’s a misconception. Just consider the remarkable silent horror films that laid the foundation of our industry. It’s essential to have a brilliant writer, an exceptional director, and talented actors and crew. This year is truly remarkable. Sinners tackles significant racial disparities, yet it presents these themes through a vampire narrative, particularly involving the Irish, which is where my heritage lies.”
This is partly attributed to DEI, as noted by Amy Madigan, who expressed her appreciation for it by stating, “everyone can be included in the mix. It truly brings me immense joy, and I sincerely hope it keeps unfolding further.“