At 16, actor Owen Cooper made history at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards by becoming the youngest winner ever for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television. His win for the Netflix series Adolescence caps an extraordinary year that also saw him become the youngest male actor to win an Emmy. The young British star’s heartfelt and humorous acceptance speech, which included a shout-out to his beloved Liverpool Football Club, was a standout moment of the night.
The Historic Win and a Standout Acceptance Speech
Owen Cooper’s win at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards set a new record in the category for supporting male actors on television. At 16 years old, he surpassed the previous record held by Chris Colfer, who was 20 when he won for Glee in 2010. This achievement also makes Cooper the second-youngest male winner in Golden Globes history, following Ricky Schroder, who won at age nine in 1980.
His acceptance speech combined genuine disbelief with his trademark charm. “Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through,” Cooper said from the stage. He shared an awkward but relatable start to his acting journey, telling the audience, “I was the only boy there, it was embarrassing but I got through it”. He wrapped up his speech with an enthusiastic “Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone,” a direct reference to the anthem of his favorite team, Liverpool FC.
A Meteoric Rise From First-Time Actor to Award Winner
Cooper’s rapid ascent is remarkable because Adolescence was his first professional acting role. Born and raised in Warrington, England, he initially dreamed of a career in professional soccer. His interest in acting was sparked only a few years ago after watching Tom Holland’s performance in the 2012 film The Impossible.
He began taking weekly drama classes, which eventually led to an audition for Adolescence. The show’s unique format, with each episode filmed in a single continuous take, was a daunting challenge for any actor, let alone a newcomer. Cooper credited his co-star and show co-creator Stephen Graham with helping him deliver an intense performance. Graham used unorthodox methods off-camera to provoke genuine emotional reactions from the young actor.
The Award-Winning Show “Adolescence”
The Netflix limited series Adolescence was a major winner during the awards season. At the Golden Globes, it took home four awards, including Best Television Limited Series and acting wins for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. The show follows a teenage boy, Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate, exploring themes of online radicalization and societal pressure on young men.
- Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television: Adolescence
- Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television: Stephen Graham
- Best Supporting Actress on Television: Erin Doherty
- Best Supporting Actor on Television: Owen Cooper
During the ceremony, co-creator Jack Thorne explained the show’s message: “Some think our show is about how we should be frightened of young people. It’s not. It’s about the filth and the debris we have laid in their path”.
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What’s Next for the Young Star
Fresh off his award-season success, Cooper has already filmed his next project. He will appear as a younger version of Heathcliff in director Emerald Fennell‘s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, where Jacob Elordi plays the older version of the character. Reflecting on his whirlwind experience, Cooper has maintained a grounded perspective, often emphasizing his status as an apprentice still learning his craft.
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