British teenager Owen Cooper has made history after scooping a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the limited series Adolescence, becoming the youngest male ever to win the prestigious accolade.
In the four-part drama, Cooper plays Jamie Miller, a schoolboy accused of murdering a classmate, a performance that critics hailed as raw, emotional, and mature beyond his years.
Taking to the stage at the glittering ceremony, the visibly stunned star shared his disbelief and gratitude.
“Standing up here is just, wow, it’s so surreal. When I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to even be in the United States, never mind here,” he said, clutching his golden statuette.
The teenage actor used his moment to inspire others, reflecting on the importance of courage and resilience.
“I think tonight proves if you listen, and you focus and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything can be possible. I was nothing about three years ago, I’m here now,” he added.
Cooper went on to dedicate the win to his family, co-stars, and the show’s production team, insisting the award was a team effort.
“It may have my name on this award, but it really belongs to the people behind the camera,” he said, raising the trophy to applause.
The historic night also belonged to Adolescence, which swept multiple awards. Erin Doherty was crowned Best Actress for her role as a child psychologist, while Stephen Graham snagged two gongs — Best Actor and Best Writer in a limited series.
By clinching the Emmy, Cooper shattered a record held since 1973 by Scott Jacoby, who won at 16 for That Certain Summer. He now joins an elite circle of youthful Emmy winners that includes Roxana Zal, who triumphed at 14 in 1984, and Bindi Irwin, the youngest of all, who won at just nine.
In Cooper’s own words: “This kind of thing doesn’t usually happen to a kid like me. It is the utmost humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life.”