Amy Madigan Won an Oscar for Weapons. Which Great Horror Performance Is Next?

by

This year’s awards season has been full of surprises, so Amy Madigan’s win for Best Supporting Actress wasn’t guaranteed. While she was a strong contender for her memorable role as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, the race was tight with Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) and Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners). Betting odds slightly favored Madigan, but any of the three could have won. Despite winning several pre-Oscar awards, many still worried that the Academy’s tendency to overlook horror films might prevent Madigan’s uniquely styled witch character from taking home the prize.

It’s worth remembering this wasn’t a surprise. Seven months ago, when I predicted Kathryn Hahn would win for her role in The Haunting, I pointed out the Oscars have occasionally honored horror performances, like when Ruth Gordon won for Rosemary’s Baby. Hahn wasn’t the only nominee playing a magical character, either – Jamiylah Mosaku was also nominated for a similar role. And looking at the bigger picture, the film with the most Oscar nominations ever, as of 2026, is a horror movie. Sinners blends several genres – it’s a period piece, a musical, and a gangster film – but at its core, it’s a Southern Gothic horror story. Plus, Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Actor made him the first actor playing a vampire to ever win in that category.

The recent attention horror films received at the Academy Awards isn’t a one-time event – films like The Substance and Nosferatu were nominated for multiple awards the previous year. The competition feels open this year, meaning positive buzz about the films and actors we admire could truly make a difference. While many things contribute to an Oscar win – like long-standing respect for an actor and the impact of their role – strong support from critics and industry professionals is crucial. For example, an Oscar for Aunt Gladys seemed unlikely at first, but gained momentum over time. Sinners, with its powerful themes and director Ryan Coogler, had strong awards potential, and its release date allowed for nearly a year of consistent discussion. This created enough excitement that it almost beat One Battle After Another – which ultimately won Best Picture – for the top prize.

As a horror fan, I always think it’s a good idea to start talking about the amazing performances in the genre that often get ignored during awards season. Who’s really standing out in films that aren’t typical Oscar contenders? Right now, looking ahead to 2026, Ralph Fiennes in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple immediately comes to mind. One critic even said it might be the best work he’s ever done! Getting the Academy to notice might be tough. They might have been able to handle the intensity of The Substance, but Bone Temple has some truly shocking moments. Still, anyone willing to give it a chance will see a remarkable performance from Fiennes. He brings such a powerful humanity to his character, Dr. Ian Kelson, that it gives the whole bloody story real emotional weight. The connection between his character and the Alpha he calls Samson is surprisingly funny and sweet, and Fiennes is brilliant at balancing those tones. Plus, he has a showstopping musical number – and the Oscars love rewarding those! Even if the Academy forgets The Bone Temple by the time awards season rolls around, this is a performance that deserves recognition: it’s subtle, committed, and, let’s face it, really brave.

If Ralph Fiennes were nominated for an Oscar, it would be his fourth time, though he hasn’t won yet – a compelling angle for a campaign. However, Rachel McAdams also deserves consideration. She’s fantastic in Send Help, delivering a performance so convincing you might even believe she’s playing someone unremarkable. While Send Help might seem like a long shot for the Academy – especially compared to The Bone Temple, which has Oscar pedigree with both a nomination for its writer and a previous win for its director – we shouldn’t limit ourselves to predictable choices. We’re in an era where unexpected nominations happen, and McAdams is the driving force behind the film’s success. Throughout the movie, she skillfully transitions from a sympathetic character to an antagonist, adding depth to a role that could have easily been simplistic. Her ability to keep the audience engaged even after her character makes questionable choices is a testament to her talent. McAdams expertly reveals the underlying vulnerability and pain that motivates her character’s increasingly extreme actions.

It’s tempting to consider even more actors for potential awards recognition. Beyond McAdams, Dylan O’Brien deserves a look. The cast of The Bone Temple, including Chi Lewis-Parry and Jack O’Connell, is also strong. Looking ahead to 2026, we can start speculating about other films that might become awards contenders. Mubi’s success with The Substance suggests Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma could be a dark horse, and Gillian Anderson seems perfect for a role as a former horror movie survivor. Robert Eggers’ Werwulf is likely to earn technical awards attention, and don’t count out Hokum, which received rave reviews at SXSW and is being distributed by Neon – it could realistically earn mainstream nominations.

While it’s still too early to know exactly how films like Weapons and Sinners will impact the Oscars, a clear change is happening. This year’s success isn’t just a celebration for those who’ve long supported these types of movies – it’s a sign that the Academy is starting to pay attention to horror. While horror films aren’t guaranteed a spot in the awards race, the path is definitely opening up, and fans of the genre should seize this opportunity.

Read More

2026-03-17 22:55