Amy Madigan has won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in the film Weapons at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant moment in her career after a 40-year wait since her last nomination.
Madigan’s victory set a new record for the longest gap between nominations before a win, with her first nomination occurring in 1986 for the film Twice in a Lifetime. At 75 years old, she expressed her joy during her acceptance speech, humorously noting, “What’s different is I got this little gold guy.”
Her role as Aunt Gladys, a witch integral to the film’s plot, has not only garnered critical acclaim but also turned her character into a popular internet meme, showcasing her distinctive appearance.
Madigan’s win is particularly notable as it marks the first Oscar for a performance in a horror movie since Natalie Portman won for Black Swan in 2011. The film Weapons received only one Oscar nomination, highlighting the significance of her achievement.
During her acceptance speech, Madigan thanked her daughter, Lily, and her husband, Ed Harris, stating, “Ed has been with me forever, and that’s a long ass time. And none of this would mean anything if he wasn’t by my side.”
Madigan’s win followed a strong awards season, where she also received nominations from the Golden Globes and BAFTA awards, and secured victories at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Actor Awards.
Reflecting on her long journey, she humorously remarked about preparing her speech while shaving her legs, saying, “I was in the shower last night trying to think of something to say as I was shaving my legs – I’ve got pants on, I don’t need to worry about that.”
As the award was presented by last year’s Best Supporting Actress winner, Zoe Saldaña, Madigan’s win was celebrated by many in the industry. Observers are now curious about the potential for a prequel centered on her character Aunt Gladys, a notion that Madigan expressed excitement about.
Madigan’s historic win not only highlights her talent but also serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of the film industry, particularly in the horror genre.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future projects related to her character, but the recognition she has received this awards season has certainly reignited interest in her work.
