Amy Madigan has received her first Golden Globe nomination in 36 years for her role in the film Weapons, marking a significant moment in her career. The nomination follows a week of accolades, including a win for Best Supporting Actress from the New York Film Critics Circle and nominations from the Critics Choice Awards and various regional groups. This resurgence highlights Madigan’s return to the spotlight and has reignited interest in a potential prequel to her beloved character, Aunt Gladys.
Cautious Optimism for Aunt Gladys Prequel
While excitement builds around the idea of revisiting Aunt Gladys, Madigan remains circumspect. She acknowledges that writer-director Zach Cregger has a plan for the prequel but emphasizes, “Until it’s real, it’s not real.” She adds, “It would be such a blast, and it would be really great if we could revisit her in some way. I’m excited about that possibility.” Cregger has expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of Madigan returning to the role, stating it makes him “smile.” Nevertheless, Madigan points out the complexities involved in the film industry, saying, “So much business is involved in that, which I’m not involved in, so we’ll all just have to wait and see.”
The backdrop of Warner Bros.’ impending sale to Netflix adds another layer of uncertainty to the film’s prospects. Madigan has been navigating this awards season with a mix of gratitude and bewilderment, finding herself on the awards trail for Weapons. She admits to feeling overwhelmed by the attention but finds joy in the recognition. “More social media is involved and all that kind of stuff, so it seems like there’s a larger pool of things to do, but it’s still exciting — I’m still very happy about it,” she says.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Comeback
This nomination is particularly meaningful for Madigan, who last attended the Golden Globes as a nominee in 1990, when she won for her performance in the telefilm Roe vs. Wade. Her last recognition for a feature film was for Twice in a Lifetime, which also earned her an Academy Award nomination. Being back in the conversation decades later is an experience Madigan describes as surreal, and she appreciates the support from her peers. Fellow actor Sarah Paulson has been particularly supportive, offering to host events on her behalf. “That’s been the most gratifying,” Madigan notes, “and Sarah reached out right off the bat and she said, ‘I’d like to do something.’”
As the awards season progresses, Madigan finds herself adjusting to the demands of the spotlight. She humorously remarks that the most surreal aspect of this season has been, “Getting up this early.” This light-hearted comment encapsulates the unique blend of pressure and excitement she feels as she navigates this unexpected resurgence in her career.
