Emmys 2025 witnessed some historical moments. From Tramell Tillman’s record-making win as the first Black man to take home Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series to the 15-year-old Owen Cooper becoming the youngest male actor to win a Primetime Emmy, this year was different for the industry for more than one reason.
The British star was awarded Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or TV Movie or Anthology series at the grand event, which was held at the Peacock Theater on Sunday.
Cooper, who played the role of Jamie Miller in the Netflix series Adolescence, thanked everyone who helped him get that far in his acceptance speech, especially his parents and mentors.
He said, “Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years ago, I didn’t expect to be in the United States, never mind here, but I think tonight proves that if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing three years ago, and I’m here now. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything is possible.”
For the unversed, Cooper’s recent victory broke a record that had stood for more than 50 years. Previously, a similar milestone was set in 1973, when 16-year-old Scott Jacoby won an Emmy award for his role in That Certain Summer. Meanwhile, the Adolescence star also expressed his disbelief over winning the award.
“Standing up here… wow this is so surreal. Tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out of your comfort you can achieve anything in life,” said Cooper. He also continued, “I was nothing about three years ago, I’m here now. It may have my name on this award but it really belongs to the people behind the camera and all the cast.”
It’s not like Owen Cooper was the sole nominee for the award category. He eventually faced tough competition and even went up against several acclaimed actors like Peter Sarsgaard for Presumed Innocent and Javier Bardem for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Ashley Walters, Cooper’s Adolescence co-star, was also in contention for the same award category.
Despite the heavyweight lineup, Owen Cooper was the sole winner. Interestingly, Adolescence also marks his acting debut. Very few know that Cooper was selected for the role of Jamie Miller despite having no prior experience in acting. Yet, he nailed the character of a teenage murder suspect with finesse and won an Emmy this year.
In other news, Cooper has several other projects in the pipeline. For instance, he will be seen in the upcoming BBC Three series Film Club. He has also been selected to play the role of a younger Heathcliff in Emerald Funnell’s classic Wuthering Heights.