Amy Madigan Wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar for ‘Weapons’ After 40-Year Gap

Amy Madigan, a veteran actress, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026, for her chilling portrayal of Aunt Gladys in the supernatural horror thriller ‘Weapons’ directed by Zach Cregger. This victory marks her first Oscar after a remarkable 40-year gap since her last nomination in 1985 for ‘Twice in a Lifetime,’ setting a record for the longest interval between nominations for a win in the category. Madigan’s performance as the unsettling great-aunt to a boy whose friends vanish overnight was praised for its haunting depth, earning her prior wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards earlier in the season. She triumphed over strong contenders including Wunmi Mosaku for ‘Sinners,’ Teyana Taylor for ‘One Battle After Another,’ and Elle Fanning and Ga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for ‘Sentimental Value.’ The category was highly competitive with no clear frontrunner, as nominees split precursor awards like Golden Globes. Host Conan O’Brien opened the ceremony with a comedic skit impersonating Madigan’s character, adding levity to Hollywood’s big night at the Dolby Theatre. Madigan’s speech thanked her husband Ed Harris and reflected on her career resurgence at age 75, captivating audiences and critics alike. This win highlights an unpredictable awards season and cements her legacy in a genre-bending film that also garnered Producers Guild recognition.