British teenager Owen Cooper has shattered records at the Golden Globes, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Best Supporting Male Actor in a Television award.
A Historic Night for a Young Star
The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, saw the 16-year-old from Liverpool triumph over a field of seasoned actors. Owen Cooper secured the prestigious prize ahead of nominees including his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, Billy Crudup, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Tramell Tillman.
Taking to the stage, an evidently stunned Cooper described the moment as "mad" and reflected on his unlikely journey to Hollywood's biggest stages. "Standing here at the Golden Globes. Wow. It does not feel real whatsoever," he told the audience.
From Embarrassing Drama Classes to Golden Glory
He candidly shared his humble beginnings, recalling how he took a risk by attending drama classes where he was often the only boy. "It was embarrassing. But I got through it and I'm still very much an apprentice, still learning every day from the people in front of me who inspired me," Cooper stated, expressing deep gratitude to his family and mentors.
After thanking the cast and crew of the hit Netflix limited series Adolescence, the young actor concluded his speech with an inspiring look ahead and a nod to his roots. "Bring on 2026. You'll never walk alone," he declared, invoking the famous anthem of his beloved football club, Liverpool FC.
Adolescence Sweeps the Awards
Cooper's win was part of a dominant night for the British drama Adolescence. The show itself won the award for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
The success continued as Cooper's co-star, Erin Doherty, scored a surprise victory in the Best Supporting Female Actor category. Doherty beat stiff competition from stars of The White Lotus and other major shows. Her shocked reaction included an expletive she quickly apologised for, promising her mother she wouldn't swear on television.
Doherty dedicated her award to therapists, highlighting the show's focus on mental health. "Life can be tough, mental health is everything, so thank you to therapists, and it was an honour to play one," she said.
Stephen Graham, another star of the series, also won the award for Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, rounding out a triumphant evening for the production. The night's other big winner was the comedy The Studio, which took home two awards.
