Owen Cooper Becomes Youngest Supporting Actor Winner at Golden Globes

The ‘Adolescence’ breakout star completes a historic sweep of the Emmy, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe awards; Cooper beat out veterans like Billy Crudup and Jason Isaacs to secure the win.

January 12, 2026: The 83rd Golden Globe Awards witnessed a record-shattering moment on Sunday, January 11, 2026, as 16-year-old Owen Cooper took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series.

The Irish-British newcomer, who captivated global audiences as the troubled Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence, is now the youngest-ever recipient in this category.

He surpassed the long-standing record held by Glee star Chris Colfer, who was 20 when he won in 2010.

Cooper also becomes the second-youngest male Golden Globe winner in history, trailing only Ricky Schroder (The Champ, 1980).

The “Only Boy” in the Room: A Risk That Paid Off

Taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton, an emotional Cooper reflected on his rapid rise from a Warrington drama club to Hollywood royalty.

• The “Embarrassing” Start: “I took a risk and I went to drama classes. I was the only boy there—it was embarrassing, but I got through it,” he shared, drawing warm laughter from the A-list audience.
• The Apprentice: Despite his historic “triple crown” sweep (Emmy, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe), Cooper remained humble: “I’m still very much an apprentice. I’m still learning every day from the people sitting in front of me who inspire me.”
• The Tribute: He concluded his speech with a nod to his hometown roots and his favorite football club, Liverpool FC, saying, “Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone.”

‘Adolescence’: The Show That Changed Everything

Produced by Stephen Graham, who also stars as Jamie’s father, the four-part limited series has become a cultural phenomenon.

• The Performance: Cooper’s portrayal of a 13-year-old accused of murdering a classmate was filmed in demanding one-shot takes, a feat rarely attempted by seasoned actors, let alone a debutant.
• The Supporting Cast: The series also saw wins for Stephen Graham (Best Actor in a Limited Series) and Erin Doherty (Best Supporting Actress), while the show itself won Best Limited Series.

Accolades & Future Projects

With his win on Sunday, Cooper has officially become the youngest male actor to achieve a back-to-back sweep of the industry’s most prestigious television awards.