> At a Glance
> – Owen Cooper, now 16, became the youngest male actor ever to win an Emmy for Adolescence
> – He credits family and friends for keeping him humble after overnight fame
> – The Netflix drama scored six Critics Choice nominations and three wins
> – Why it matters: Shows how young stars can navigate sudden Hollywood success without losing their footing
Owen Cooper’s rise has been lightning-fast: within a year the teenager went from unknown to Emmy history-maker, yet he still insists on walking back into class the morning after his show dropped as if nothing has changed.
The Big Night
Fresh off his Critics Choice win for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Cooper told reporters in the press room that normalcy is his lifeline.
“I went to school the day after Adolescence came out, and it was just the same. I tried to keep it the same,” he said.
> “I’ve got the best support, best protection, so I can’t not keep my feet on the ground.”
Awards Scorecard So Far
| Award Show | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Emmys | Outstanding Supporting Actor, Limited Series | Won |
| 2026 Critics Choice | Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series | Won |
| 2026 Golden Globes | Best Supporting Actor – TV | Nominated |
| 2026 Independent Spirit | Best Breakthrough Performance | Nominated |
What Adolescence Is About
The Netflix miniseries casts Cooper as Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The gritty role earned him:
- A historic Emmy win
- Critical praise for its emotional depth
- Multiple nominations across TV’s top honors
Family First
The actor, who became the youngest male to win an Emmy and the youngest ever nominated in that category, says fame hasn’t altered his home life.
“This past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family, honestly. It’s changed our lives forever. We’re forever grateful,” he told the Critics Choice audience.
Key Takeaways
- Cooper, 16, holds the record as youngest male Emmy winner
- Adolescence led 2026 Critics Choice TV nominees with six nods
- The show also won Limited Series, plus acting honors for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty
- Cooper returns to school after major releases to stay grounded
As awards season continues, all eyes stay on the teen who keeps shattering records while still doing homework.
