A 16-year-old from Warrington has made Hollywood history, becoming the youngest winner ever at the Golden Globes. Owen Cooper secured the award for Best Supporting Male Actor – Television for his role in the Netflix limited series Adolescence.
From Warrington to Hollywood: A Record-Breaking Night
At the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on January 11, 2026, Cooper shattered a record that had stood for 16 years. He surpassed the previous record held by Glee star Chris Colfer, who was 20 when he won the same award in 2010. Cooper's victory also makes him the second-youngest male Golden Globe winner in history, following only Ricky Schroder, who won at age nine in 1980.
Taking to the stage in Los Angeles, the emotional teenager thanked his family, friends, and castmates. He revealed the extraordinary backstory to his win, confessing he had no prior acting experience before landing the role. Cooper told the audience he pushed himself into what he called "embarrassing" acting classes, where he was the only boy, but his perseverance paid off in the most spectacular fashion.
Triumph Over Stiff Competition
Cooper's win was no easy feat. He triumphed over a formidable field of seasoned actors to claim the trophy. His competitors included:
- His Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters
- Billy Crudup for The Morning Show
- Jason Isaacs for The White Lotus
- Tramell Tillman for Severance
- Walton Goggins for The White Lotus
The British-produced Netflix show Adolescence enjoyed a successful night overall, also receiving nominations for Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and in the Best Television Limited Series category.
An Industry Embraces Its Newest Star
As the enormity of the moment overwhelmed him mid-speech, the ballroom full of Hollywood's elite erupted in supportive applause. The industry rallied behind its newest and youngest star, celebrating his remarkable achievement. This victory follows another recent accolade for Cooper, who also won the Best Supporting Actor award for the same role at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 4, 2026.
Owen Cooper's journey from a complete unknown in Warrington to a Golden Globe-winning actor on a Hollywood stage is a testament to taking a chance on oneself. At just 16, he has not only made history but has also launched what promises to be a stellar career in the entertainment industry.
