Veteran actor Ed Harris recently expressed his profound pride and support for his wife, Amy Madigan, following her Oscar nomination for her captivating performance in the horror film 'Weapons.' While being recognized for his own contributions to the Sundance Institute, Harris affectionately highlighted Madigan's achievement and the remarkable public reception of her character. He also took the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Robert Redford and the core values of artistic freedom and collaboration that define the Sundance community.
Ed Harris Shares Pride in Amy Madigan's Oscar Nod and Reflects on Robert Redford's Vision at Sundance
On January 24, 2026, in the scenic surroundings of Park City, Utah, acclaimed actor Ed Harris was celebrated for his decades of mentorship as an adviser for the screenwriting labs at the Sundance Institute. During a special fundraiser event, 'Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,' held at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Harris received an inaugural Robert Redford Luminary Award, an honor he shared with director labs adviser Gyula Gazdag. These awards were presented by Amy Redford and Michelle Satter, respectively. On the red carpet, a luminous Harris, a four-time Oscar nominee himself, enthusiastically shifted the spotlight to his wife of 40 years, Amy Madigan, whose recent Oscar nomination for her role in Zach Cregger’s horror film 'Weapons' had just been announced. He candidly shared that Madigan's recognition made him view awards as "cool," especially considering the often-overlooked horror genre. Harris recounted learning of her nomination while filming a 'Yellowstone' spin-off, 'Rio Paloma,' in Texas. He deliberately waited to contact her until later in the morning, understanding the exhaustion of the early announcement. He lauded Madigan for gracefully navigating the intense awards season, providing a glimpse into the emotional and physical demands placed on nominees, particularly women, regarding appearance and media attention. He humorously added that his primary method of support involved extensive cooking, ensuring she wouldn't have to worry about meals. This nomination marks Madigan’s second Oscar nod, arriving nearly four decades after her first for 1985’s 'Twice in a Lifetime.' Harris expressed immense satisfaction in witnessing the widespread, almost viral, embrace of Madigan’s character, Aunt Gladys, from 'Weapons.' He fondly recalled his initial intrigue with the character, noting her instant pop culture impact, which has spawned countless memes, Halloween costumes, and tributes from horror aficionados and film enthusiasts, including drag queen impersonations. During his acceptance speech, a visibly moved Harris spoke passionately about the profound experience of witnessing countless artists discover their unique voices over many summers at the Sundance Institute labs. He described the atmosphere as a “unified positive” force, dedicated not to a cult-like ideology, but to the pure pursuit of artistic endeavor, fostering a spirit of collaborative learning, deep understanding of material, and unwavering commitment to creative freedom, love, and generosity, all central to Robert Redford’s vision. Harris concluded by expressing his deep admiration for Redford's unwavering integrity and genuine passion for supporting emerging talent.
This narrative provides a heartwarming glimpse into the personal and professional lives of two revered figures in cinema. It underscores the profound support within a long-standing marriage, where individual achievements are celebrated with shared joy. Beyond the personal, the story illuminates the often-challenging journey of recognition for genre films like 'Weapons' within prestigious awards circuits. More broadly, it highlights the enduring impact of institutions like the Sundance Institute, championed by visionaries such as Robert Redford, in nurturing artistic talent and fostering a spirit of collaborative creativity that transcends commercial pressures. The story serves as a reminder of the power of artistic integrity and the invaluable role of mentorship in empowering new voices in the film industry.