British actor Stephen Graham has shared the surprising story of how he lost his Golden Globe trophy less than a day after winning the prestigious award. The 52-year-old performer, who scooped the Best Actor prize for his gripping role in the Netflix drama Adolescence, experienced the trophy's temporary disappearance during a frantic airport transfer.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Panic
Graham earned the Golden Globe for his powerful portrayal of a devastated father grappling with the aftermath of his 13-year-old son's arrest for murder. The actor triumphed over notable competitors including Jason Isaacs and Walton Goggins, while the hard-hitting Netflix production also secured awards for Best Limited TV Series and supporting performances from co-stars Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty.
Following his victory, Graham celebrated with his wife Hannah Walters at the star-studded afterparty, dancing the night away in Los Angeles. However, the joyous occasion took an unexpected turn when he had to depart for Madrid the very next day, setting in motion a chain of events that would separate him from his newly-won trophy.
The Airport Dash That Went Wrong
During an appearance on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, Graham explained the chaotic circumstances that led to the trophy's disappearance. With only thirty-five minutes to catch his connecting flight from Atlanta, he received VIP treatment including a car ride across the airport runway.
'As I come off the plane a woman's stood there with my name and she took me down the stairs and threw me in a car and drove me across the actual airport, you know, on the runway,' Graham recalled, prompting co-host Sian Welby to remark: 'That's like president status that, isn't it?'
Despite his concerns about his luggage making the connection, airport staff assured him they would handle everything. Unfortunately, his worst fears materialised when his suitcase - containing the Golden Globe trophy alongside his personal belongings - failed to arrive in Madrid.
The Moment of Realisation
The studio atmosphere turned to shock when Graham revealed what had been left behind in Atlanta. After mentioning his socks, pants and toothbrush, he sheepishly added: 'And a Golden Globe.' The confession prompted gasps and commiserating groans from the radio hosts.
Graham defended himself against suggestions he had been careless, insisting: 'No, I never left it! I put it in me case! It's heavy, I wasn't carrying that on me hand luggage.' The weight of the substantial statuette had influenced his decision to pack it securely in checked luggage rather than risk carrying it through multiple airports.
A Happy Resolution
Fortunately, the story has a positive conclusion. Graham revealed that both his suitcase and the coveted Golden Globe trophy were recovered and returned to him just two days later, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the radio presenters.
The incident occurred shortly after Graham's emotional acceptance speech at the Golden Globes ceremony earlier this month, where he credited his wife Hannah with saving his life and acknowledged their two children, Grace and Alfie. The couple, who married in June 2008, collaborated professionally on Adolescence, with Hannah serving as co-executive producer and appearing in the drama as teacher Mrs Bailey.
Graham dedicated his award to his parents and extended family, emphasising that without their support 'none of this is possible.' The temporary loss of his trophy adds an unexpected chapter to what has been a remarkable awards season for the acclaimed British actor, whose performance in Adolescence has earned widespread critical praise and now this prestigious industry recognition.
