The 81st Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night witnessed a historic and heartwarming moment as 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper clinched a major award, delivering a speech that humbled Hollywood with its authenticity and grace.
A Star Is Born: From Liverpool to Los Angeles
Cooper, who was just 14 when filming, won the Golden Globe for his debut performance in the critically acclaimed Netflix limited series Adolescence. His portrayal of Jamie Miller, a child accused of murder, exploring the dark influence of the manosphere, captivated audiences and critics alike. This victory follows his earlier wins at the Emmy and Critics' Choice awards, putting him remarkably halfway to an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) before adulthood.
Facing stiff competition from seasoned actors like Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and his own co-star Ashley Walters, Cooper's win was a stunning upset. Appearing starstruck in the Los Angeles ballroom, he took to the stage to accept the award that signified a dream realised.
"You'll Never Walk Alone": A Speech That Won Hearts
In a disarmingly honest speech, Cooper reflected on his unlikely journey. "Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever," he began, acknowledging his family's support. He recounted his initial hesitation, saying, "What started off as what I thought I might be okay at, I might be awful at, I took a risk and I went to drama classes."
He humorously noted being the only boy in his class, calling it "embarrassing but I got through it," eliciting laughter from the A-list crowd. Striking a tone of profound humility, he added, "I'm still very much an apprentice, I'm still learning every day... I wouldn't be here without you guys." He concluded with a nod to his roots and future, declaring, "Bring on 2026. You'll never walk alone," referencing the anthem of his beloved Liverpool Football Club and hinting at his upcoming film debut in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation.
Adolescence Dominates the Night
Cooper's win was part of a clean sweep for Adolescence, which won every Golden Globe it was nominated for. Co-star Erin Doherty also won, and the series took home the award for Best Limited Series. Veteran actor Stephen Graham, winning for his role, provided another memorable moment, pausing to be starstruck by Queen Latifah in the audience.
Graham read notes from his palm and dedicated his award to the cast and crew, specifically praising his on-screen wife Christine Tremarco. In a characteristically generous gesture, he joked, "This is half yours, so I’ll cut it. You can have the top bit."
The series, noted for its intense, claustrophobic single-take filming style, has become a defining hit for Netflix. Owen Cooper's story—from a hesitant teen in Liverpool drama classes to a Golden Globe winner humbling Hollywood—is a testament to taking risks and raw talent. Adolescence is available to stream on Netflix now.
