Golden Globe-winning actor Stephen Graham has downplayed the significance of awards, stating that critical acclaim was never the objective behind his hit Netflix drama, Adolescence. The star, who co-created, wrote, and starred in the series, made the comments during an appearance on ITV's This Morning.
'It's Not a Game of Footy': Graham's Philosophy on Art
Despite the show's impressive awards season haul, including major wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, Graham emphasised a deeper purpose. "It’s not a game of footy. Do you know what I mean? It’s not a competition what we do," the 52-year-old explained. "It’s subjective. It’s art. Art is subjective. It means different things to different people."
He acknowledged that recognition from peers is "nice", but was firm on his motivation: "Ultimately, that’s not why we do it." Graham described the experience of actually winning an award as "exceptionally surreal" and admitted, "It didn’t feel real. It was a wonderful experience."
The Success of 'Adolescence' and New Project 'A Thousand Blows'
The four-part Netflix drama Adolescence follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a classmate. At the Golden Globes, the series triumphed, winning for:
- Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Motion Picture.
- Best Actor in a TV Mini-Series for Stephen Graham.
- Best Supporting Actor for Owen Cooper.
- Best Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty.
The show mirrored this success with four wins at the Critics Choice Awards earlier in January 2026.
Separately, Graham discussed the second season of his Disney+ series, A Thousand Blows, which premiered earlier this month. He serves as an executive producer and stars as Henry "Sugar" Goodson, a bare-knuckle boxer in 1880s London.
The Powerful Inspiration Behind 'A Thousand Blows'
Graham revealed the character was inspired by a single, powerful photograph. "It was this beautiful image of a black man who looks so regal, majestic and full of grace," he said. "And instantly, I’m curious, because I’m a mixed race kid myself, so I never got to see men like this."
He explained the image made him wonder about the subject's life story, prompting his wife and co-executive producer Hannah Walters to suggest to creator Steven Knight that they build a project around the concept. The series, which launched in 2025, is based on a true story, chronicling the lives of Jamaican immigrants in London's bare-knuckle boxing scene. The second season is now streaming on Disney+.
