Owen Cooper exploded onto the scene with a fearless vulnerability that belied his tender age, captivating audiences as Jamie Miller in Adolescence. The Emmy he collected was less an accolade than a formal acknowledgment of what the audience had already concluded: this was not a phase.

With the actor's breakthrough work dominating Netflix's charts and him topping critics' must-watch performances list, it was only right that come Critics Choice Awards 2026, the actor would once again land on stage.

Owen Cooper barred all expectations at the Critics Choice Awards, becoming the youngest to receive the honor.

Owen Cooper continues to cement his status as one of television’s most electrifying young talents, earning the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his breakout role in Adolescence.

Surrounded by a stellar cast including Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, Cooper’s performance captivated critics and audiences alike, blending intensity and vulnerability in a way rarely seen from someone so young. With accolades pouring in, his rise in Hollywood seems unstoppable.

Owen Cooper captured headlines for his Critics’ Choice win, but the Adolescence ensemble delivered equally compelling performances. Stephen Graham portrayed Eddie Miller, Ashley Walters commanded as DI Luke Bascombe, Faye Marsay impressed as DS Misha Frank, and Mark Stanley brought Paul Barlow to life.

Christine Tremarco, Amélie Pease, Hannah Walters, and Jo Hartley added rich layers, while Erin Doherty, Kaine Davis, and guest stars like Emilia Holliday enhanced the series’ gripping intensity, bringing authenticity and depth to its real-life-inspired story.

Owen Cooper Deserves to Be the Youngest Netflix Actor to Win an Emmy Award in 2025, Here’s Why

Adolescence scored a striking 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, turning an ostensibly ordinary plot into a riveting journey. Its tension, layered performances, and unexpected twists keep audiences questioning every revelation and craving more.

In a quiet town near Doncaster, 13-year-old Jamie Miller’s life shatters when he is arrested for the murder of classmate Katie Leonard, who had rejected and cyberbullied him. Held in custody, Jamie faces intense questioning while investigations peel back layers of his online-influenced worldview and the ridicule he endured.

At home, his family navigates the harsh glare of public judgment, struggling to protect him and themselves. Adolescence weaves tension, social commentary, and psychological insight into a gripping, unforgettable story.

Filmed across Yorkshire towns like South Kirkby, South Elmsall, and Sheffield, Adolescence pushed boundaries with its daring one-shot episodes, each captured in single takes after meticulous rehearsals. Owen Cooper navigated this intense process with astounding maturity, shooting episode three first and mastering scenes in multiple takes.

Based on a true story and released on Netflix on 13 March 2025, the series shattered UK streaming records, drawing viewers into its gripping narrative. Cooper’s riveting portrayal continues to rack up awards, proving that his talent and presence are nothing short of extraordinary.

Netflix’s 'Adolescence' Dominates UK TV, Surpassing Fan-Favorite Shows Like ‘The Apprentice’ and More

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