Amy Madigan
**At a Glance
- The 2026 New York Film Critics Circle Awards honored Amy Madigan with the Supporting Actress prize for Weapons.
- She used the platform to speak candidly about critics, her father’s journalism background, and the personal impact of reviews.
- The ceremony, held on Jan. 6, 2026, featured presenter Gaby Hoffmann and highlighted Madigan’s 75-year-old career.
- Why it matters: The win underscores the enduring relevance of veteran actors in contemporary cinema and offers insight into the relationship between performers and the press.
The 2026 New York Film Critics Circle Awards were held on Jan. 6, 2026, in New York City. The ceremony celebrated the best in film from the past year, and Amy Madigan was announced as the recipient of the Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Aunt Gladys in the horror film Weapons. Presenting the award was fellow actress Gaby Hoffmann.
During her acceptance speech, Madigan reflected on her relationship with critics and the media. She described hearing harsh remarks from some reviewers, noting, “I had some critics say some awful, nasty things about me,” while also acknowledging that other reviews were positive. She emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s own artistic vision, saying, “Critiquing is a very personal experience, especially … if you’re on the receiving end of it. As an actor – I think for all the actors in the room – you hope that people respond and you hope that people see what you saw when you got the script.”
Madigan also mentioned her father, who worked in the newspaper business. She called him a “valuable newspaper journalist” and highlighted how his perspective shaped her understanding of criticism. “What really impressed me was that his thoughts came from him,” she said, adding that her own work “has to come from me” because of his influence.
Award Recognition
Madigan’s win is part of a series of accolades that Weapons has garnered. The film, released in August 2025, features a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, and Benedict Wong. The movie’s success has earned Madigan recognition from multiple critics’ groups and major award bodies.
| Award Body | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| New York Film Critics Circle | Supporting Actress | Winner |
| Golden Globe | Supporting Actress | Nominee |
| Critics Choice Awards | Supporting Actress | Nominee |
| Oscars | Best Supporting Actress | Nominee |
The Role of Critics
Madigan’s remarks highlighted the tension that can exist between actors and reviewers. She urged critics to “keep your original thought,” emphasizing that the words written about art are powerful. Her comments were received as a candid look at the impact of criticism on performers, especially veterans who have long careers.
Career Highlights
Madigan, now 75, has built a career spanning decades. In addition to Weapons, she starred in Rebuilding, released in Nov. 2025, where she played a pivotal role in a drama about community resilience. Her filmography also includes:
- The Twice in a Lifetime (Oscar nominee)
- Sponsor (upcoming, with writer-director James Ponsoldt and Jason Segel)
She has expressed that Weapons has opened new doors: “Because of Weapons I’ve had a lot of recognition,” she told a news outlet, adding that she remains realistic about future projects.
Upcoming Projects
Madigan is slated to appear in Sponsor, a forthcoming film directed by James Ponsoldt. The project also stars Jason Segel, and the collaboration is expected to explore themes of ambition and partnership in the film industry.
Key Takeaways
- Amy Madigan received the 2026 NYFCCA Supporting Actress award for Weapons.
- She used her platform to discuss the personal nature of criticism and her father’s influence as a journalist.
- Weapons (released Aug. 2025) has earned Madigan nominations from the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and the Oscars.
- She continues to work on projects such as Rebuilding (Nov. 2025) and the upcoming Sponsor.
- The award underscores the lasting impact of veteran actors in contemporary cinema.
