15-year-old British actor Owen Cooper made history Sunday at the Emmy Awards, winning the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries, Anthology Series or Television Movie for his role in the series " Adolescence ."
With this victory, he became the youngest boy ever to receive this prestigious award.
Cooper played the role of Jamie Miller, a teenage student accused of murdering a classmate, a complex and emotional role that earned him not only the award but also the admiration of critics.
The four-hour series " Adolescence " didn't just stop at this win. It also took home the award for Best Miniseries, as well as being praised for its direction, writing, and the stellar performances of Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty.
In his speech, Cooper said:
"Being here. It's just, wow. It feels surreal. When I started acting classes a few years ago, I couldn't even imagine being in the United States, let alone being on this stage."
He continued with an inspiring message for young people:
“Tonight proves that if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. Who cares if you sometimes get embarrassed? Three years ago I was nobody, now I'm here.”
Cooper thanked his family, colleagues and production team, adding:
"My name may be on this award, but it belongs to everyone who worked behind the cameras."
With this historic win, Cooper broke the previous record held by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won an Emmy in 1973 for the film “ That Certain Summer .” However, Roxanne Zahl still holds the absolute record as the youngest winner in an acting category, having won at age 14 for her role in “Something About Amelia ” in 1984.
The series has been widely praised by critics and audiences for the way it addresses the impact of social media on the lives and psyches of teenagers, transforming the series into a mirror of growing up in modern times.
