Gaby Hoffmann Reflects on Amy Madigan’s Role as a Caring Mom During Field of Dreams Filming

Amy Madigan (left) and Gaby Hoffmann (right).
Credit :

Cindy Ord/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The New York Film Critics Circle Awards occurred on January 7, 2026, in New York City, with notable attendees including Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura, Amy Madigan, and Gaby Hoffmann.
• Madigan won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the horror film Weapons, with the award presented by Hoffmann.
• Hoffmann grew emotional during her speech, reminiscing about her early work with Madigan in Field of Dreams.

In a touching reunion nearly four decades after portraying mother and daughter in Field of Dreams, Gaby Hoffmann presented Amy Madigan with the New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Supporting Actress. The event took place on January 7, 2026, in New York City.

Hoffmann, who was a child when she played Karin Kinsella, the daughter of Madigan’s character Annie, reflected on their shared experiences, highlighting their collaboration in the 1989 comedy Uncle Buck.

As she concluded her speech, Hoffmann became visibly emotional while sharing how Madigan greatly influenced her early career. “I was 7 years old when I last saw Amy,” Hoffmann recalled. “I’ll be 44 in a couple of days, so that was 36 years now.” She admitted that Madigan’s impact on her was more profound than anyone else she had met during her childhood in the film industry.

Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffmann in ‘Field of Dreams.’

Maximum Film/Alamy

Hoffmann cherished her memories of working with the 75-year-old actress, recalling her mentor’s warmth and openness. “Your warmth, your laughter, your power, your presence, your loud, giant, beautiful heart,” Hoffmann listed, commenting on how Madigan was like a mother figure to her.

Gaby Hoffmann.

Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty

Watching Madigan’s performances again sparked a wave of admiration in Hoffmann. “I was just so happy. I just wanted to be around you,” she expressed, recalling her recent revisit to Field of Dreams after three decades. “Oh my God, it’s so good. I realize this isn’t a movie about baseball. It’s a movie about dreams, duh, it’s about dreaming.”

Hoffmann underscored Madigan’s pivotal role in the film, asserting, “putting Madigan at the center of your dream is a pretty damn smart movie because it seems to me that she cannot help but share her full self with us.”

Amy Madigan.

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Madigan was honored for her portrayal of Aunt Gladys in Weapons, a gripping horror-mystery that revolves around a small town facing turmoil as children begin to go missing. Recently, she received her first Golden Globe nomination in 36 years for the same role.

Hoffmann commended Madigan’s nuanced performance, emphasizing the depth and complexity she brings to every role. “Her humanness in all of this complexity, difficulty, and beauty is there for the taking. It is a feast. It is expansive and comprehensive and just delightfully disarming,” Hoffmann noted. “She is as fierce as she is tender. She is as sexy as she is silly… absolutely horrifying as she is completely vulnerable.”

By the conclusion of her heartfelt speech, Hoffmann was not merely celebrating an outstanding performance but also honoring a mentor, a co-star, and a creative influence who has significantly impacted her life.