Owen Cooper becomes the youngest-ever Best Supporting Actor TV winner at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards for Netflix’s Adolescence. Full story, speech highlights, and records.
The Golden Globe Awards 2026 delivered many memorable moments, but none resonated quite as powerfully as the historic win by Owen Cooper. At just 16 years old, the rising star became the youngest person ever to win Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, marking a milestone moment in Golden Globes history and signaling the arrival of a major new talent.
Cooper earned the award for his performance in the Netflix limited series Adolescence, a role that has already been praised for its emotional depth and maturity far beyond his years.
A Historic Night at the Dolby Theatre
The ceremony took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where Cooper appeared visibly stunned as his name was announced. Walking onto the stage to loud applause, the teenager delivered one of the night’s most heartfelt acceptance speeches.
“Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever,” Cooper told the audience. He went on to reflect on the journey that brought him to that stage, thanking his family and the people who believed in him early on. His words struck a chord with viewers, quickly going viral across social media platforms.
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From Drama Classes to Global Recognition
One of the most touching parts of Cooper’s speech was his candid recollection of how his acting journey began. He revealed that his first step into acting came through drama classes — a decision that felt risky and uncomfortable at the time.
“What started out as something I thought I might be okay at — or I might be awful at — I never knew,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd as he recalled being the only boy in the class. Despite the nerves and embarrassment, Cooper stuck with it, crediting those early experiences for shaping his confidence and love for acting.
Even after winning one of television’s most prestigious awards, Cooper remained grounded. He described himself as “still very much an apprentice,” emphasizing that he continues to learn every day from the actors who inspire him.
Breaking Records at the Golden Globes
Cooper’s win places him firmly in the Golden Globes record books. At 16, he surpassed Chris Colfer, who previously held the record as the youngest winner in the Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series category after winning at age 20 in 2010.
He is now the second-youngest male actor to win a Golden Globe overall, following Ricky Schroder, who was just 9 years old when he won the now-retired New Star of the Year award for his role in The Champ in 1980.
The achievement highlights how rare and remarkable Cooper’s accomplishment truly is, especially in a category traditionally dominated by seasoned performers.
A Competitive Category Filled With Heavyweights
The Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series category at the 2026 Golden Globes was stacked with acclaimed talent. Cooper beat out his own Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, along with Billy Crudup (The Morning Show), Trammell Tillman (Severance), and The White Lotus standouts Jason Isaacs and Walton Goggins.
Winning against such an accomplished lineup further underscored the impact of Cooper’s performance.
The Power of Adolescence
The Netflix series Adolescence has been widely praised for its raw storytelling and emotionally complex characters. Created and led by Stephen Graham, the limited series explores difficult themes with honesty and sensitivity — giving young actors like Cooper the space to deliver deeply affecting performances.
Critics have pointed to Cooper’s role as one of the emotional anchors of the show, noting his ability to convey vulnerability, fear, and resilience with remarkable authenticity.
What’s Next for Owen Cooper?
With a Golden Globe already on his résumé before adulthood, industry insiders are watching Cooper closely. His win is expected to open doors to major film and television opportunities, and many believe this is only the beginning of a long and successful career.
As awards season continues and conversations shift toward the Academy Awards, Cooper’s name is now firmly part of Hollywood’s next-generation spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Owen Cooper’s historic Golden Globe win was more than just a personal triumph — it was a reminder of the power of taking risks, believing in yourself, and staying humble even at the highest level of success. At just 16 years old, he has already inspired countless young performers and delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.
For fans and critics alike, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of Owen Cooper’s remarkable journey. 🎭✨