Owen Cooper, aged 15, expressed his astonishment at becoming the youngest male recipient of an Emmy award for acting. He made history by winning the award for his performance in the British drama series “Adolescence,” which garnered widespread acclaim on Netflix. Cooper triumphed over strong contenders like Bill Camp and Rob Delaney to secure the prestigious accolade.
In his acceptance speech, the modest teenager shared, “Honestly, when I started taking drama classes a few years ago, I never imagined being in the United States, let alone winning here. Tonight proves that with dedication and stepping out of your comfort zone, you can accomplish anything.”
Cooper’s co-stars, Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham, also achieved success in their categories, leading “Adolescence” to secure a total of five awards at the ceremony in Los Angeles. Addressing the audience, Owen, hailing from Warrington, Cheshire, reflected, “I was nobody three years ago. Now I’m here. If you listen, focus, and push beyond your comfort zone, success follows, even if it means facing a little embarrassment. This award belongs to everyone who worked on the show, not just me.”
“Adolescence” marked Cooper’s debut in television, propelling him to future projects like the upcoming BBC drama “Film Club” and his role as Young Heathcliff in an upcoming adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” By clinching the award, Owen joined the ranks of history-makers, expressing his gratitude to fans for the meaningful achievement.
Erin dedicated her victory to her “big sister Grace,” acknowledging her crucial support on her journey to success. She professed her love and gratitude in her acceptance speech for the best supporting actress award in a limited series.
The critically acclaimed “Adolescence” received 13 nominations and dominated Netflix’s most-watched list earlier in the year, revolving around the narrative of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate.
Director Philip Barantini, along with writers Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, also secured Emmy wins for outstanding directing and writing in a limited series or movie category. Philip expressed gratitude to Netflix for their trust in bringing their creative vision to life.
The achievements of Owen Cooper and the cast and crew of “Adolescence” have solidified their places in television history, marking a significant milestone in their careers.