After a remarkable 40-year hiatus, Amy Madigan is back in the Oscars race, receiving a nomination for her role as Aunt Gladys in the acclaimed horror film Weapons. Madigan joins an esteemed list of actors recognized for their memorable performances in horror cinema, including legends like Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs, Kathy Bates in Misery, Ruth Gordon in Rosemary’s Baby, and Ellen Burstyn in The Exorcist.
Reflecting on her journey with Weapons, Madigan expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s been a really unusual, unexpected, really fun ride. I’m happy for the film, I’m happy that people recognized Aunt Gladys.” She emphasized the sense of confidence showcased by her character, expressing a desire for all women in the industry to embody such assurance. “This is a woman who knows what she has to do, and she does it,” Madigan shared. “Now, granted, some of her methods might be a little unusual. But she has that, and I think all women in our business should have more of that confidence, myself included.”
Madigan’s last nomination came in 1985 for her role in Twice in a Lifetime. This time around, she’s navigating the awards circuit in the age of social media, which has made the experience even more exhilarating. Weapons has emerged as one of the year’s standout horror films, grossing over $269 million globally, and there have been discussions about a prequel centered on her character. While she remains optimistic about the potential, Madigan noted that it’s largely in the hands of writer-director Zach Cregger, who is currently focused on other projects.
In addition to her Oscar nomination, Madigan recently signed on for a new Apple thriller directed by James Ponsoldt, where she will work alongside actors Jason Segel and John C. Reilly. She described the film as “a very, very unusual story about a sponsor and a sponsee in the AA program,” hinting at unexpected twists.
Madigan also mentioned the status of The Ploughmen, a project directed by her husband Ed Harris, which remains in development. “We’re just always waiting for someone to pull the trigger and give us that little hump that’s going to go over the top on it,” she stated, indicating that the nomination may lend a boost to its progress.
In Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, a small-town community grapples with fear and paranoia after a classroom of children vanishes mysteriously on the same night. Madigan’s character, Aunt Gladys, is shrouded in ambiguity regarding her involvement in the incident.
The actress has also received critical acclaim for her performance, including a Critics Choice Award, and is nominated for several other accolades. Competing with her for the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role are Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor. The Oscars ceremony is set to occur at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, with live coverage on ABC.
Madigan’s return to the spotlight not only celebrates her talent but also revitalizes hope for women in the industry, inspiring confidence akin to that of her powerful character.