When Amy Madigan won the 2026 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress, she claims it took her by surprise. The 75-year-old actor, who portrayed Aunt Gladys in Zach Cregger’s terrifying film Weapons, thanked fans for their deep affection for the role.
Amy Madigan ‘wasn’t expecting’ to win the Critics Choice Award for her Weapons role
On January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Amy Madigan talked candidly about her unexpected Critics’ Choice victory. “I really wasn’t expecting all this because I thought people would like the movie,” she stated in her victory speech. “And I thought people would dig Gladys, but you love Gladys,” Madigan went on. It’s insane, really!
“I receive art and cosmetic lessons. Madigan remarked, “I even got one weird thing about how she’s a sex icon” (via People). She also praised the Weapons team, particularly the group that worked to polish Aunt Gladys’ iconic appearance.
For those who don’t know, Weapons centers on a tiny village that has been rocked by the unexplained disappearance of multiple children. Madigan’s portrayal of the eccentric yet frightening Aunt Gladys soon won over fans. Speaking about the role, Madigan previously told Entertainment Weekly that she has been in this industry for a long time and that it is “fun” to receive something this fulfilling and see how much people value it. Aunt Gladys will never be forgotten thanks to her outstanding performance in the film, which impressed both reviewers and viewers.
The Critics’ Choice Best Supporting Actress category was quite competitive this year. Stars included Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), and Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good). Madigan’s victory was particularly noteworthy because it was her first nomination at the awards ceremony.
“I never really knew what it [meant] to thank your fans,” Madigan added, expressing her sincere gratitude to her supporters. However, I also want to thank my followers for this.
Furthermore, Weapons received nods in a number of categories. Zach Cregger won Best Original Screenplay, Cary Christopher won Best Young Actor/Actress, and Zach Cregger won Best Hair and Makeup.
