Amy Madigan Wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar for ‘Weapons’

Amy Madigan has been awarded the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards for her performance in Zach Cregger’s supernatural thriller, Weapons. The win marks a significant moment in her career, coming four decades after her first Oscar nomination.

A Record-Breaking Win

At 75 years old, Madigan is the second-oldest Oscar winner in the supporting actress category. Her victory also sets a new record for the longest gap between a first nomination and a first win – 40 years and one month, following her initial nod for 1985’s Twice in a Lifetime. The previous record was held by Geraldine Page, who won for The Trip To Bountiful in 1986, 32 years and one month after her first nomination for Hondo in 1954. The Hollywood Reporter

Madigan’s Performance and Acceptance Speech

Madigan portrayed Aunt Gladys, a parasitic witch, in Weapons, earning critical acclaim for her unsettling and captivating performance. During her acceptance speech, Madigan shared a humorous anecdote about preparing her remarks while showering. She also acknowledged the importance of the people who supported her throughout her career, despite being advised to keep her thank-yous brief. Variety

Competition and Other Wins

The race for Best Supporting Actress was closely contested, with Wunmi Mosaku for Blood & Sinners also considered a strong contender. Prior to the Oscars, Teyana Taylor had won the Golden Globes, Mosaku took home the BAFTA Award and Madigan had previously won the Critics’ Choice and Actor Awards, making the outcome uncertain. People

Sean Penn won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another.

The Rise of Horror at the Oscars

This year’s Oscars saw increased recognition for the horror genre, with Blood & Sinners receiving 16 nominations. Madigan’s win for Weapons is seen as a breakthrough for horror films at the Academy Awards, which have historically overlooked the genre. San Francisco Chronicle