At a Glance
- Owen Cooper, 16, became the youngest winner of the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – TV
- He won for playing Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence at the 83rd ceremony on January 11, 2026
- Nominees included Billy Crudup, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Tramell Tillman, and castmate Ashley Walters
- Why it matters: The win marks a breakout moment for youth-driven storytelling and streaming originals
Owen Cooper etched his name into Golden Globe history after claiming Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Adolescence. The 16-year-old, who portrays Jamie Miller in the Netflix limited series, became the youngest victor ever in the category.
Cooper’s Emotional Acceptance
Walking to the podium at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday night, Cooper admitted the moment felt surreal.
“Wow, standing here with a Golden Globe, it does not feel real whatsoever,” he told the audience. “What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through. We are forever grateful for what these people have done for me and my family.”
The actor recounted his first foray into acting, saying he once questioned whether he would be “okay” or “awful.”
“I took a risk, and I went to drama classes. I was the only boy there. It was embarrassing,” he said. “But I got through it, and I’m still very much an apprentice. So still learning every day. I’m still learning from the people that I sat in front of, you sat in front of me, who’s inspired me.”
Cooper thanked Netflix and his supporters before signing off with a nod to the Liverpool F.C. anthem: “Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone.”
The Nomination Field
Competing against Cooper were:
- Billy Crudup – Cory Ellison on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show
- Walton Goggins – Rick Hatchett on HBO’s The White Lotus
- Jason Isaacs – Timothy Ratliff on The White Lotus
- Tramell Tillman – Seth Milchick on Apple TV+’s Severance
- Ashley Walters – Detective Luke Bascombe on Adolescence
Crudup earned his third Globe nod for the role of the ambitious UBA president, having previously been nominated in 2022 and 2024. Isaacs, who plays a patriarch under financial investigation, was up for a Globe once before in 2008 for The State Within.
Goggins’s morally ambiguous Rick and Tillman’s mysterious Lumon floor chief rounded out a competitive slate that showcased both returning favorites and fresh faces.
About Adolescence
The four-part British limited series centers on a family thrown into crisis when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The show explores toxic masculinity, social-media pressures, and the fractures within modern families.
Created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the drama also earned nominations for:
- Stephen Graham – Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series
- Erin Doherty – Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
- Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Netflix released the series globally in late 2025, propelling Cooper-a newcomer from Greater Manchester-into the awards conversation.
What’s Next
Cooper’s victory signals a shift toward recognizing younger talent in traditionally adult-skewing categories. With Adolescence already renewed for a second anthology installment, attention now turns to whether the young actor will reprise any role or move on to new projects.
For now, Cooper remains focused on learning. As he reminded the audience, he considers himself “still very much an apprentice,” ensuring awards voters and fans alike will be watching his next steps closely.
Key Takeaways
- Owen Cooper, 16, is now the youngest supporting-actor winner in Golden Globe history
- Netflix’s Adolescence secured multiple nominations, solidifying its awards-season presence
- The category featured a mix of streaming giants-Netflix, Apple TV+, and HBO-highlighting the platforms’ dominance in scripted drama
- Cooper’s win underscores the rising influence of youth-centered narratives in prestige television
