Amy Madigan Wins First Oscar at 75 for Role in 'Weapons' Actress Amy Madigan claimed her first Academy Award for best supporting actress on Sunday for her portrayal of Gladys in the supernatural horror film Weapons. The win marks her first Oscar after a 40-year wait since she was previously nominated for the same category for her role as Sunny Sobel in the 1986 drama Twice in a Lifetime. Madigan spoke with ABC News’ Lara Spencer backstage following the ceremony, reflecting on the significance of the moment. Madigan expressed surprise at the acclaim her performance received, calling it “totally surprising” and praising the audience’s reception of Gladys, the character she brought to life. “People really like my work, which is what you want,” she said. She also highlighted the uniqueness of the role, noting that it was a rare opportunity to play a character with such eccentricity. “You don’t get to play those kind of parts that often,” she remarked, adding that she often channels similar traits in her personal life, much to the dismay of her family and pets. The actress praised the Oscars host, Conan O’Brien, for opening the ceremony by playing Gladys, a role she described as “pretty good.” Madigan recounted meeting O’Brien backstage, where he joked, “Yeah, you did a lot better,” after she complimented his performance. She laughed off the quip, acknowledging his effort while emphasizing her own pride in the win. Madigan’s victory underscores her long career in acting, which she has pursued since age 19. At 75, she joked about the difference between her two Oscar experiences, saying, “What’s different is I’ve got this little gold guy!” She also took the opportunity to thank her daughter Lily Harris, her husband Ed Harris, and their dogs, calling her husband “the most important” person in her life.#weapons #conan_obrien #amy_madigan #ed_harris #lara_spencer
Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien hosts the ceremony, takes opening shots at AI and Timothée Chalamet Conan O’Brien opened the 98th Academy Awards with a self-deprecating joke about his role as the last human host, joking that next year’s ceremony would be hosted by a Waymo self-driving car in a tuxedo. The comedian, 62, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the ABC telecast, delivering his opening remarks with a mix of humor and reflection. “I am Conan O’Brien and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” he said, referencing the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The opening segment featured a pre-recorded bit in which O’Brien donned Amy Madigan’s iconic “Aunt Gladys” makeup from the film Weapons, a role that earned her an Academy Award for best supporting actress just minutes earlier. The clip showed O’Brien being chased by angry children, a nod to Gladys’s character in the movie. The segment then transitioned into animated clips, with O’Brien appearing in KPop Demon Hunters, playing table tennis against Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme, and running across a Shakespearean stage in Hamnet. O’Brien’s hosting duties were met with high security, as he joked about the event’s safety measures. “It’s his first time in a theater!” he quipped, referencing the audience’s presence. The comedian, who previously hosted the Oscars in 2025, was rehired after a three-year gap during which the ceremony lacked a host. This year’s event marked a return to stability for the Academy Awards, which had faced uncertainty about its hosting format. O’Brien’s return to the role came after a year of preparation, during which he avoided the disruptions of the 2025 wildfires that displaced him in Los Angeles.#conan_obrien #academy_awards #amy_madigan #timothe_chalamet #waymo
Oscars 2026: Ryan Coogler's Sinners Wins First Oscar, Best Live Action Short Film Tie Ryan Coogler's Sinners claimed its first Oscar of the night, marking a significant milestone for the vampire-themed film. The award for best live action short film was shared between Sinners and Two People Exchanging Saliva, a historic tie in the ceremony's nearly century-long history. The decision sparked immediate reactions, with fans and critics noting the rarity of such a split. The evening’s winners included Amy Madigan, who took home the best supporting actress award for her role in Weapons, and Sean Penn, who won best supporting actor for his performance in One Battle After Another. Cassandra Kulukundis made history by winning the first-ever Oscar for best casting, recognizing her work on One Battle After Another. On the red carpet, best actress nominee Rose Byrne made a striking entrance in a custom Chanel outfit, while the KPop group Demon Hunters brought a bold fashion statement to the event. The film Sinners, which broke the record for the most Oscar nominations in a single year with 16, had already won the best original screenplay award. However, it faces stiff competition from Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another, which earned 13 nominations. The ceremony also celebrated technical achievements, with Avatar: Fire and Ash securing the best visual effects award. Directed by James Cameron, the film mirrored its success during awards season, including a Bafta win. The team honored the 2,000+ individuals involved in the project, though the tribute was cut short due to time constraints. Notable moments included Pedro Pascal’s surprise appearance with a clean-shaven look, marking a departure from his signature mustache.#amy_madigan #sinners #oscars_2026 #ryan_coogler #two_people_exchanging_saliva
Amy Madigan Awards Season Style: Tailoring, Comfort, and Red Carpet Suits Amy Madigan has become a standout figure on the awards season red carpet this year, thanks to her bold yet elegant approach to suiting, guided by her stylist Andrew Gelwicks. The actress, known for her iconic roles in films like Field of Dreams and Weapons, has captivated audiences with her ability to blend comfort, playfulness, and sophistication in her outfits. Gelwicks, a Gen-X fashion expert with a roster of legendary clients including Molly Ringwald and Rosie Perez, has helped Madigan craft looks that feel both timeless and fresh. Madigan’s journey to awards season stardom began with her Oscar nomination for Weapons, where she portrayed the enigmatic Aunt Gladys. Her performance, which surprised many with its depth and nuance, has been matched by her sartorial choices. Gelwicks emphasizes that his goal is to showcase Madigan in a new light, highlighting her unique personality and strength. “Amy is such an exciting moment for me,” he says. “I wanted to show how special she is through her fashion.” The stylist’s approach to Madigan’s wardrobe is rooted in a balance between comfort and elegance. For events like the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Indie Spirit Awards, Gelwicks has focused on tailored suits that allow Madigan to move freely while maintaining a polished appearance. One standout look was a custom velvet tuxedo jacket from Dior, paired with a crisp white shirt and fringed scarf. The outfit, which Madigan wore to accept her SAG Actor Award, was described as regal and sophisticated, with the baby blue scarf adding a touch of lightness and movement. Gelwicks also experimented with more unconventional designs, such as a sculptural Bottega Veneta suit featuring a loosely knotted tie-cravat hybrid and pleated pants.#weapons #amy_madigan #andrew_gelwicks #field_of_dreams #critics_choice_awards
Amy Madigan Walks the Oscars Red Carpet With Husband Ed Harris—40 Years After Their First Attendance Amy Madigan made a striking entrance at the 98th Academy Awards, arriving in a bold Dior ensemble that included a blazer adorned with black-and-gold feather paillettes, paired with black slacks and pointy pumps. She also wore round glasses with bright-orange lenses, adding a fiery touch to her look. The actor, known for her role as Gladys in Weapons, received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, marking a historic moment as she became the female actor with the largest gap between nominations. Her previous nod was in the same category in 1986 for her role as Sunny Mackenzie-Sobel in Twice in a Lifetime. Madigan reflected on the achievement in an interview with People, expressing surprise at the journey that led to this milestone. She credited the film Weapons and its reception by audiences, stating, “Nothing is a better feeling than that.” She also emphasized the importance of perseverance in the industry, noting that while dreams are often encouraged, the path to success is long and demanding. “When a good piece of material comes by, the actors want to grab it by the throat. It’s exciting. That’s why we do what we do.” The evening’s event was a full-circle moment for Madigan, as she walked the red carpet alongside her husband, Ed Harris, who had accompanied her to the 1986 Oscars when she first received her nomination. The couple, married for 42 years, shared the moment with their son, who was also present. Harris, known for his own acting career, has been a constant presence in Madigan’s life, both on and off the screen. Madigan’s return to the Oscars after four decades of absence highlighted her enduring presence in Hollywood.#weapons #academy_awards #amy_madigan #oscar_nomination #ed_harris
Richard Roeper’s 2026 Oscars predictions are here The 98th annual Academy Awards are set to take place on March 15, with Richard Roeper offering his insights into the most anticipated night in show business. The ceremony, which will air on ABC and be live-streamed on Hulu, promises a mix of surprises and established favorites. Roeper outlines his expectations for key categories, including acting honors and best picture, while also highlighting notable trends and developments in the awards process. This year’s Oscars have already made history, with “Sinners” securing the record for the most nominations at 16, surpassing previous records held by “All About Eve” (1950), “Titanic” (1997), and “La La Land” (2016). The addition of a new category, best achievement in casting, marks a significant shift in the Academy’s approach to recognition. Voting for the 2026 Oscars closed on February 26, with many members casting ballots in the final days. This timing could influence outcomes, as momentum from earlier awards like the Producers Guild and Actor Awards often plays a role, particularly given that actors make up the largest voting bloc. Several nominees have strong ties to Chicago, including supporting actress Amy Madigan. A native of the city, Madigan grew up in South Shore and graduated from Aquinas High School. Her father, John Madigan, was a prominent journalist at WBBM-Newsradio and CBS-2 Chicago. Madigan also starred in the beloved Chicago-area comedy “Uncle Buck,” where her portrayal of Chanice Kobolowski earned widespread acclaim. Her performance in “Weapons” has positioned her as a top contender for the supporting actress award. The Oscars have also become a focal point for betting, with platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel offering wagers in some states.#richard_roeper #academy_awards #amy_madigan #one_battle_after_another #sinners
