Netflix’s dark psychological miniseries Adolescence swept the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night, taking home six major honors — but it was 15-year-old newcomer Owen Cooper who truly stole the spotlight.
Winning Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Owen made history as the youngest male actor ever to receive a Primetime Emmy in the category. His award-winning performance as Jamie Miller, a troubled teenager navigating trauma and identity, captivated critics and audiences alike.
The previous record was held by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won in 1973 for That Certain Summer. Cooper, who had no professional acting experience prior to being cast in Adolescence, surpassed that milestone, making his rapid rise all the more remarkable.
“I was nothing about three years ago. I’m here now,” Owen said in his emotional acceptance speech.
He went on to thank his parents, co-stars, and the show’s creative team. “It may have my name on this award, but it really belongs to the people behind the camera,” he said. Offering advice to fellow dreamers, he added, “If you listen, and you focus, and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life.”
Award Sweep for Adolescence and Its Talented Cast
Owen’s win was one of six for Adolescence, which also earned the Best Miniseries award. Stephen Graham, who co-created the show and played Jamie’s father, won Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series and took home an additional trophy for writing. Erin Doherty won Best Supporting Actress, while Philip Barantini earned an Emmy for Best Direction in the limited series category.
Owen beat a competitive slate of nominees, including co-star Ashley Walters, Presumed Innocent actors Peter Sarsgaard and Bill Camp, Dying for Sex’s Rob Delaney, and Javier Bardem from Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Elsewhere, The Studio, produced by Seth Rogen, dominated the comedy awards, while The Pitt triumphed in the Best Drama Series category. In variety, Last Week Tonight continued its winning streak over Saturday Night Live (SNL), taking Best Scripted Variety Series, though SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special managed to clinch Best Variety Special, beating out The Oscars (TV Special 2025) and the Beyoncé Bowl.
As the curtain closed on the 2025 Emmys, Owen Cooper’s unforgettable speech and historic win proved to be the emotional high point of the night — and perhaps the start of a long, promising career.
