Amy Madigan brought a dramatic touch to the stage Sunday night when she reenacted the memorable “run” from her film Weapons while accepting the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role at the Actor Awards.
The 75-year-old actress famously portrayed Aunt Gladys in the critically praised horror mystery — a character capable of compelling others to charge forward in pursuit of her dark objectives while under a spell. Director Zach Cregger has said the scene drew inspiration from the 1972 Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph The Terror of War, one of the most haunting images from the Vietnam War.
Still frozen in character, Madigan rushed toward presenter Orlando Bloom, who handed her the trophy at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. Once at the microphone, she joked about the unexpected affection for her eerie alter ego.
“Gladys has surprised me,” she said, expressing gratitude for the audience’s enthusiasm. Madigan went on to thank her ensemble cast, including Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong and Toby Huss, as well as the young performers and stunt team.
Madigan admitted she hadn’t anticipated the win, saying the recognition from fellow actors meant a great deal. She had previously mimed the same run while presenting at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
The actress already secured a Critics Choice Award for her role, though industry forecasters suggest tough competition ahead at the 98th Academy Awards, where Teyana Taylor is considered a frontrunner.
Madigan, who hasn’t received an Oscar nomination since losing to Anjelica Huston in 1986 for Prizzi’s Honor, may soon revisit Aunt Gladys in a prequel project. She has hinted at discussions with Cregger, though nothing is confirmed.
Off-screen, she enjoys strong support from her husband of 42 years, Ed Harris, and their daughter Lily, both thrilled by her career resurgence.
