The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony witnessed a historic moment as 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper clinched the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. The teenager, who is currently in the midst of studying for his GCSE examinations, became the second-youngest male winner in the award show's history.
A Tearful and Triumphant Night
An emotional audience at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles watched as Owen took to the stage, visibly overwhelmed. His proud father, Andy, and his Adolescence co-star Stephen Graham, who played his on-screen father, watched on with tears in their eyes. In his speech, Owen reflected on an "incredible journey," admitting his initial embarrassment at being the only boy in drama class. "What started off as something I thought I might be OK at, I might be awful, I took a risk," he told the room of Hollywood A-listers.
He beat out a formidable field of nominees including his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, Billy Crudup, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Tramell Tillman to claim the honour. The win places him behind only Ricky Schroder, who won a Globe at age nine in 1980.
Adolescence Sweeps the Limited Series Categories
Owen Cooper's victory was part of a dominant night for the critically acclaimed series Adolescence. The show, created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, took home the top prize for Best Limited TV Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for TV.
Stephen Graham himself was honoured with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, presented to him by Leonardo DiCaprio. In a touching moment, Graham dedicated his award to his wife, Hannah Walters—an actress and executive producer on the series—stating, "You saved my life." Supporting actress Erin Doherty also won for her role, using her acceptance speech to praise therapists and highlight the importance of mental health.
Film Awards Shake Up the Oscar Race
Elsewhere, the film categories delivered surprises that have altered the landscape for the upcoming Academy Awards. Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for Marty Supreme, propelling him ahead of Leonardo DiCaprio as the new betting favourite for the Best Actor Oscar. However, DiCaprio's film, One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, had the last laugh, winning four awards including the coveted Best Picture – Comedy or Musical.
The night's final award, Best Picture – Drama, went to Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, setting up a fascinating Oscars contest between the two top films. On the television side, other major winners included The Pitt for Best Drama Series and The Studio for Best Musical or Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in that category.
Owen Cooper concluded his own landmark speech with a rousing message and a nod to his roots, leaving some in the audience momentarily baffled as he declared: "Bring on 2026. You'll never walk alone." – a heartfelt tribute to his beloved Liverpool Football Club.
