Chicago's Amy Madigan becomes Oscars frontrunner for role in 'Weapons'

ByHosea Sanders and Marsha Jordan WLS logo

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Chicago's Amy Madigan becomes Oscars frontrunner for role in 'Weapons'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago native Amy Madigan is now the odds-on favorite to win an Oscar, according to the famed Gold Derby Awards Predictions.

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The South Side native is a scene stealer in "Weapons."

"I mean I really wasn't expecting all of this," she said.

She plays Aunt Gladys, a mysterious witch who preys upon children for their life force.

"It was a chance to be totally unique and really interpret this woman," Madigan said. "I had hair and makeup and costumes, and they made me look horrible."

Back in 1986, Madigan invited Film Critic Roger Ebert to the Malibu home she shared with husband Ed Harris and their daughter, Lily.

She was nominated for "Twice in a Lifetime."

John Madigan, a legendary Chicago political journalist, was Madigan's father.

"You know, my dad, he was just so excited and got a big lump in his throat and said he could hardly get the words out, and he said, 'I'm so proud of you,'" she told Ebert during an interview in the '80s.

Madigan said the Oscar nomination has been overwhelming.

"I'll be honest with you, people saying we see you we really acknowledge your work, that's a great feeling it doesn't happen a lot," she said.

Best Supporting Actress is a category where surprises are expected to happen.

It's looking like Chicago's Amy Madigan is coming from behind, with a good chance of getting Oscar gold.

FULL LIST: See the full list of nominees for the 2026 Oscars

And don't miss Hollywood's biggest night: The Oscars on ABC!