Amy Madigan Wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar 2026 for Weapons — 40 Years Between Nominations
Amy Madigan just made Oscars history. The 75-year-old actress won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress tonight at the 98th Oscars for her role as "Aunt Gladys" in the horror film Weapons — breaking the record for the longest gap between Oscar nominations in the same category.
Amy Madigan Wins the Oscar for Weapons
Madigan took home the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Zach Cregger's Weapons, which terrified audiences everywhere and inspired Halloween costumes across the country. She was one of two supporting actresses nominated for work in a horror film this year, alongside Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners. Other nominees included Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another.
Record-Breaking 40 Years Between Nominations
Madigan broke the record for the longest time between Oscar nominations. She was last nominated 40 years ago for her performance in Twice in a Lifetime. In her acceptance speech, she said: "It's not something that I really thought about. Of course, I hope I get the great chance to really sink my teeth into something, and Gladys was that opportunity. I was not expecting that I would end up here. I am very happy, but I am very surprised by it."
Conan O'Brien Honored Her in the Opening Monologue
Oscars host Conan O'Brien kicked off the 98th Academy Awards by channeling Madigan's performance in Weapons, playing the film's villain Aunt Gladys himself in a pre-recorded sketch — poking fun at nominated actors and movies before launching into his opening monologue.
Amy Madigan's Oscars Night Look With Husband Ed Harris
Madigan arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with husband Ed Harris, also 75, by her side. She wore a black and gold Dior blazer and sunglasses with an Omega watch, while Ed looked sharp in a white blazer and black suit. The couple have been married since 1983, after meeting on the set of Places in the Heart.
Road to the Oscar — SAG Win Was the Turning Point
Madigan's daring and distinctive performance in Weapons had been called the frontrunner for the Academy Award following her SAG Actor Award win earlier this month — with Gold Derby calling her "undeniably the frontrunner, no question about it."
As of Sunday morning, prediction markets gave Madigan a 52% chance of taking home the Oscar, representing her market peak and confirming her status as the night's leading favorite in the category since early March.
Long live Aunt Gladys. Amy Madigan's 40-year journey back to the Oscar stage is one of tonight's most unforgettable stories.
