In a stunning continuation of his breakout year, 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper has taken home the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for his gripping portrayal in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence. The win, announced at the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, solidifies Cooper’s status as one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood.
This victory follows his earlier triumphs: Cooper previously made history as the youngest male actor ever to win a Primetime Emmy (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie) for the same role, and he also claimed the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television earlier in January 2026.
From Debut Role to Awards Sweep:
Owen Cooper’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Adolescence, a four-episode psychological crime drama that premiered on Netflix in March 2025, marked his professional acting debut. Directed by Philip Barantini and created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (who also stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller), the series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Cooper), a schoolboy accused of murdering a classmate. Shot in intense single-take episodes, the show explores heavy themes like online radicalization, toxic masculinity, peer pressure, bullying, and the impact of social media on teenagers.
Cooper, who had no prior professional experience and was discovered through his drama school in Manchester after auditions from over 500 candidates, delivered a haunting performance that critics hailed as one of the best child debuts in recent memory.
The series became a massive hit, amassing over 141 million views in its first three months and sparking widespread discussions on youth violence, parenting, and online safety.
