Teenage acting sensation Owen Cooper has secured one of entertainment's highest honours, winning a Golden Globe for his breakthrough television performance. The 16-year-old was named Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series at the 2026 ceremony, adding the prestigious award to an already impressive collection.
A Triumphant Night for the Young Star
The award recognises Cooper's debut role as a teenage murder suspect in a hit Netflix drama, a part which catapulted him to international fame. He has previously won both an Emmy and a Critics’ Choice award for the same performance. Collecting the Golden Globe on stage, the young actor appeared overwhelmed, admitting the moment felt surreal.
"Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever," Cooper confessed to the star-studded audience. He reflected on his and his family's "incredible journey," recalling his tentative first steps into acting. "What started off as what I thought I might be OK at, I might be awful at, I took a risk and I went to drama classes," he shared, noting he was the only boy there and found it initially embarrassing.
Humble Apprentice and Devoted Liverpool Fan
Despite his meteoric success, Cooper emphasised he still considers himself a student of his craft. "I’m still very much an apprentice, I’m still learning every day from the people sat in front of me who have inspired me," he stated gratefully. He concluded his emotional acceptance speech with a rallying cry that delighted football fans: "Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone." This closing line is a direct reference to the anthem of his beloved Liverpool Football Club, offering a heartfelt nod to his roots amidst the Hollywood glamour.
Other Notable Winners at the Ceremony
The 2026 Golden Globes celebrated a diverse range of talent across film and television. The night's first winner was Teyana Taylor, who scored the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Film for her role as a revolutionary in One Battle After Another. In a powerful speech, she addressed "brown sisters and little brown girls," affirming that "our softness is not a liability" and "our voices matter."
In other major categories:
- Stellan Skarsgard won Best Supporting Actor in a film for Sentimental Value, playing a film director past his prime.
- Noah Wyle was named Best Actor in a TV Drama.
- Jean Smart claimed Best Actress in a TV Musical/Comedy for Hacks.
- Seth Rogen won Best Actor in a TV Musical/Comedy for The Studio.
- History was made as Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Podcast.
The ceremony, held on Monday 12 January 2026, solidified Owen Cooper's status as one of his generation's most promising actors. His win, coupled with his humble and heartfelt speech, marks a significant milestone in a career that is only just beginning.
