The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards took place on May 10, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Host Greg Davies led the ceremony celebrating the best TV from the past year. The Netflix limited series Adolescence walked away as the night’s biggest winner. But the moment everyone is talking about came when 16-year-old Owen Cooper won his first BAFTA for Supporting Actor.
Owen Cooper Makes History at BAFTA TV Awards
Cooper secured the Supporting Actor award for his role as Jamie Miller in the hit drama. This win wasn’t just another trophy. It marked the completion of a historic awards run for the teenage actor. He has now won an Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, SAG Award, and a BAFTA for the same performance—his first professional acting job.
“A year ago this time last year I was presenting an award and now I’m collecting one, so this is a bit mad,” Cooper said while holding his BAFTA trophy. He thanked the Adolescence team, saying they have “now become my family.” The young actor ended his speech with a quote from John Lennon, listing the keys to success as “obsession, a dream, and The Beatles.”
‘Adolescence’ Dominates the 2026 BAFTAs
The show didn’t stop with Cooper’s win. Adolescence won four awards total at the main ceremony, the most of any program that night. Stephen Graham won Leading Actor for his role as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father. Christine Tremarco won Supporting Actress for playing Jamie’s mother, Manda. The series also took home the award for Best Limited Drama.
This victory is a career first for Graham, who has been acting for decades. He finally got his BAFTA for the Netflix hit.
A Record-Breaking Night for the Netflix Limited Series
Earlier in the awards season, Adolescence had already picked up two prizes at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards. In total, the show has now earned six BAFTAs across both ceremonies. The series received 11 nominations heading into Sunday night, the most of any show this year.
The show’s unique format, where each episode was filmed in a single continuous shot, has been widely praised by critics and fans alike. The drama follows a 13-year-old boy accused of a serious crime and has become one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
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Winning an Award and Going Back to School
While Cooper is now an internationally recognized award winner, he still has to deal with regular teenage responsibilities. The actor, from Warrington, Cheshire, is currently taking his GCSE exams. The tests run from May 4 to June 26, 2026.
After attending the fancy award ceremony in London, Cooper had to head back to class for his school week. He started filming Adolescence when he was just 14 years old. The production team provided tutoring on set so he could keep up with his schoolwork.
The BAFTA win adds to an already incredible year for the teen, who previously won a National Television Award for his performance.
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