Ed Harris expressed immense pride in his wife, Amy Madigan, after she earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Weapons. Speaking at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Harris, 75, warmly recognized Madigan’s achievement, highlighting the significance of her latest acknowledgment. This moment marks another milestone in Madigan’s long and respected career, as the couple continues their journey together.
Amy Madigan’s Recognition Among Leading Talents
Madigan received her second Academy Award nomination on January 22 for Best Supporting Actress, competing alongside actresses Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from Sentimental Value, Wunmi Mosaku from Sinners, and Teyana Taylor from One Battle After Another. Madigan and Harris, who have been married since 1983, have supported each other through numerous career highlights, yet this nomination stands out particularly for both of them.
Role as Gladys in Weapons Garners Widespread Acclaim
Harris praised Madigan’s portrayal of Gladys, a unique and villainous character with supernatural powers, describing it as a performance that amazed audiences.
“I think she blew everybody’s mind with Gladys,”
Harris said. The horror film, which centers around the mysterious disappearance of elementary school students in a small town, debuted in August and quickly made Madigan’s character a fan favorite.
Harris also complimented the film’s craftsmanship, emphasizing the talent behind its creation.
“[Writer-director Zach Cregger] is a really good filmmaker, you know, the construction of that film and how it’s told. It’s a really good movie,”
he noted, highlighting the director’s role in shaping the film’s success.
Behind the Scenes: Life During Filming
Speaking on Madigan’s time spent filming in Atlanta, Harris shared insight into their personal life amid the hectic awards season.
“Well, she was in Atlanta working, so it was all mystery to me,”
he revealed.
“She would send me photos and I’d go ‘Oh, wow. Okay, babe. Go for it.’ So she’s — it’s a little bit nutty, because awards season is so hectic, for a woman, especially, but she’s hanging in there. We’ll see what happens on the big day.”
Previous Honors and Upcoming Awards Considerations
Earlier in January, Madigan took home the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Weapons. She and Harris also appeared together at the Golden Globes on January 11. Reflecting on the nomination, Madigan shared with PEOPLE her sense of amazement over the journey she has experienced.
“just kind of stunned by the whole journey that I’ve been on”
This marks Madigan’s second Oscar nomination, her first coming in 1986 for Twice in a Lifetime. Ahead of the Academy Awards on March 15, she is also named for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at The Actor Awards (formerly the Screen Actors Guild Awards) scheduled for March 1.
Industry Reactions and What Lies Ahead
Speaking about the response to Weapons, Madigan expressed gratitude for the recognition and the appreciation of audiences and critics alike.
“This is just kind of another piece of it that I was not expecting, but I’m just very happy and gratified and it’s just a reflection on the film Weapons and how people are responding to it. So that — nothing is a better feeling than that.”
With Conan O’Brien set to host the Oscars live on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET, airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu, anticipation for the ceremony is building. As Amy Madigan awaits the results, Ed Harris continues to stand proudly by her side, hopeful for a rewarding conclusion to an intense awards season.
