In a stunning turn of events that captivated Hollywood, 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper made history at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. The Warrington-born star, who is currently in the midst of studying for his GCSE exams, scooped the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the series Adolescence.
A Historic Victory for a Teenage Sensation
Cooper's win is a landmark achievement, making him the second-youngest male winner in the history of the Golden Globes. The only person to have won at a younger age is Ricky Schroder, who was nine when he received the New Star of the Year award in 1980. Taking to the stage at Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton Hotel, an emotional Cooper reflected on his "incredible journey" before a room packed with Hollywood's elite.
"Standing here at the Golden Globes. Wow. It does not feel real whatsoever," he said in his acceptance speech. He recounted starting drama classes as a risk, being "the only boy there," and emphasised that he remains "very much an apprentice, still learning every day." He beat out a strong field of nominees, including his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters and actors from The Morning Show, The White Lotus, and Severance.
Star-Studded Celebrations and A-List Selfies
Following the official ceremony, the teenage winner was keen to mingle with the icons who inspired him. He took to his Instagram to share a series of beaming selfies, documenting a night he will never forget.
The star-studded roster of celebrities he met included:
- Leonardo DiCaprio (who also presented an award to Cooper's co-star Stephen Graham)
- Emily Blunt and her husband John Krasinski
- Sean Penn
- Michael B. Jordan
- Kevin Hart
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
- George Clooney
He also shared a joyful snap with Stranger Things actor Joe Keery and caught up with his Wuthering Heights co-star, Jacob Elordi. His proud father, Andy, was seen becoming teary-eyed in the audience as his son accepted the prestigious award.
A Triumphant Night for 'Adolescence' and a Nod to Liverpool FC
Cooper's win was part of a major night for the series Adolescence, which also triumphed in the category of Best Limited TV Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. His on-screen father, Stephen Graham, won an acting award and delivered a touching speech praising his wife and family.
Cooper concluded his own speech with a rousing message that left some in the room slightly baffled but will have delighted fans back home: "Bring on 2026. You'll never walk alone." This heartfelt nod to his beloved Liverpool Football Club capped off a surreal evening for the teenager from Warrington, proving that even on Hollywood's biggest night, home is never far from heart.
