British actor Owen Cooper has become the youngest male ever to win an Emmy Award, in a ceremony dominated by Netflix’s critically acclaimed drama “Adolescence”.
At just 15, Cooper took home best supporting actor in a limited series for his role as Jamie Miller, a schoolboy accused of murdering a classmate.
The four-part drama also claimed best limited series, along with awards for its directing and writing. Additional acting prizes went to Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, cementing the show’s dominance of the evening.
In his acceptance speech, Cooper said: “Standing up here is just, wow, it’s just so surreal.”
“When I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to even be in the United States, never mind here.”
Reflecting on his journey, the teenager added: “I think tonight proves if you listen, and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life.”
“Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything can be possible. I was nothing about three years ago, I’m here now.”
Cooper also paid tribute to those who supported him along the way. “It may have my name on this award, but it really belongs to the people behind the camera,” he said, thanking his family, co-stars and the production team.
The victory saw him break a record set in 1973 by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when he won for “That Certain Summer”. Roxana Zal remains the youngest acting winner overall, having taken home an Emmy at 14 in 1984 for “Something About Amelia”.
“Adolescence” was widely praised for its portrayal of teenage life in the age of smartphones and social media. Critics and audiences alike highlighted its exploration of the pressures facing young people.
Accepting the award for leading actor, Graham reflected on his own upbringing. “This kind of thing normally doesn’t happen to a kid like me, I’m just a mixed-race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirkby.”
“So for me to be here today in front of my peers and be acknowledged by you is the most humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life, and it shows you that any dream is possible.”
Doherty, who played a child psychologist working with Jamie, was named best supporting actress in a limited series.
She joked she would be “banging on about Owen Cooper and ‘Adolescence’ for the rest of my life,” before adding: “I’d love to mention every single person involved in making this show because it was the definition of a team effort.”
The show also triumphed in writing, with Graham noting: “We never expected our little programme to have such a big impact, but we’re really grateful that it did.” His co-writer Jack Thorne praised the young cast, telling them: “You are the flame that proved young people are going to be OK.”
Earlier in the weekend, Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal surprised Cooper during an interview, after the teenager described him as his hero. A viral clip showed Gyllenhaal handing him the “lucky duck” he once received when nominated for an Oscar.
Elsewhere, Hollywood satire “The Studio” picked up several comedy prizes, including best actor for its creator Seth Rogen.
Rogen joked: “I couldn’t wrap my head around this happening, so I’ve prepared nothing.”
“I never won anything in my life. When I was a kid I bought a used bowling trophy at an estate sale. This is really just so lovely.”
“The Studio” went on to set a record for the most wins by a comedy in a single season, collecting 13 awards including those handed out at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Jean Smart once again won best leading actress in a comedy for “Hacks”, while her co-star Hannah Einbinder claimed her first Emmy for best supporting actress.
Einbinder thanked Smart and the crew for “changing my life in every conceivable way”. She concluded with a political message, saying: “Free Palestine.”
Medical drama “The Pitt” secured best drama series, with Katherine LaNasa and Noah Wyle both winning acting honours.
Sci-fi thriller “Severance” also scored victories, with Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman taking home prizes. Tillman became the first black actor to win best supporting actor in a drama.
He dedicated his award to his mother, saying: “Mama, you were there for me when no-one else was, and no-one else would show up. Your love and kindness stays with me, and this is for you.”
Stephen Colbert’s late-night show won outstanding talk series just weeks after its cancellation was announced. The win followed a campaign by fellow nominees, including Jimmy Kimmel, encouraging voters to support Colbert.
“Thank you for this honour,” Colbert said. “I want to thank CBS for giving us to be art of the privilege of late-night tradition, which I hope continues long after we’ve stopped doing this show.”
While presenting earlier in the night, Colbert also received a standing ovation. He joked: “While I have your attention, is anyone hiring? Because I’ve got 200 very well qualified candidates here with me tonight, who will be available in June.”
The US edition of “The Traitors” was named outstanding reality competition programme.
Host Alan Cumming saluted the “crew in Scotland who had to understand the concept that the Scottish summer is sometimes oxymoronic”.
He added: “It’s a difficult time that we live in but it’s so great that our show brings a little bit of joy into this life.”
Other winners included John Oliver, who took home two awards including best scripted variety series, “Andor”, which won best drama writing, and “Slow Horses”, which earned a directing prize.
Unusually, the ceremony ran almost on time, ending just minutes late.
That was partly due to host Nate Bargatze, who pledged $100,000 to charity but docked the amount for every overlong speech, while short speeches added more.
Although the total shifted throughout the evening, Bargatze and CBS ultimately announced a $250,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
