The Television Academy just handed British actor Owen Cooper a golden moment. At only 15 years old, he’s officially among the youngest nominees in Emmy history. Nominated for his powerful performance in Netflix’s Adolescence, Cooper’s breakthrough marks a significant cultural moment—not just for teen actors, but for British talent on a global stage.
The limited series, which tackles the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, has earned widespread acclaim—and 13 Emmy nods. And while industry heavyweights like Severance and The Penguin dominate the nomination charts, it’s Cooper’s coming-of-age nod that might end up being the night’s most emotional.
A Teen with Emmy Hopes and Netflix Buzz
Owen Cooper is walking into awards season with something rare: genuine buzz and breakout potential.
His nomination comes in the supporting actor category for a limited or anthology series or TV movie. He faces tough competition, including his own Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters, and veterans like Javier Bardem (Monsters), Peter Sarsgaard (Presumed Innocent), and Rob Delaney (Dying For Sex).
But Cooper has something they don’t—youth, freshness, and the full force of a cultural wave behind him. If he wins, he’ll be the youngest male actor to ever take home an acting Emmy.
The Show That Started It All
Adolescence follows a disturbing yet deeply human narrative about a 13-year-old accused of killing a classmate. It’s a four-part limited series co-created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham.
Graham doesn’t just co-create—he stars in the series and is now nominated for best actor in the same limited series category. With such emotional depth and a topic this raw, the series became a quiet powerhouse on Netflix.
And it’s not just the story doing the work. Alongside Cooper, the show’s ensemble includes standout performances from Christine Tremarco and Erin Doherty, both of whom earned supporting actress nominations.
These Are the Top Contenders This Year
Let’s look at how Adolescence stacks up against the Emmys’ other top contenders:
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27 nominations – Severance (Apple TV+)
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24 nominations – The Penguin (HBO Max)
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23 nominations – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
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23 nominations – The Studio (Apple TV+)
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16 nominations – The Last of Us (HBO Max)
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13 nominations – Adolescence (Netflix)
While it’s not leading the race, Adolescence is holding its own against bigger-budget rivals. And in the limited series category, it’s already made its mark.
Familiar Names and First-Time Surprises
There’s plenty of Emmy excitement beyond Cooper’s breakout.
This year’s acting categories are brimming with familiar faces and surprise first-timers. Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson lands another lead actress nomination and a nod for writing. Meanwhile, Harrison Ford, yes that Harrison Ford, receives his first ever Emmy nomination at age 83 for his supporting role in Shrinking.
Over in drama, Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Sterling K Brown (Paradise), and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) headline the best actor race. For best actress in drama, Keri Russell (The Diplomat) and Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) bring fresh prestige to the lineup.
And in comedy? The Bear, Shrinking, The Studio, and Abbott Elementary dominate the category—with Jeremy Allen White, Jason Segel, and Jean Smart all among the nominees.
Netflix Stays in the Spotlight
Though Apple TV+ and HBO Max dominate nominations this year, Netflix remains a strong player.
Adolescence, Black Mirror, and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story all earned multiple nominations in the limited series categories. Meanwhile, Nobody Wants This and The Residence landed nominations in the comedy and acting brackets.
This ongoing presence underlines Netflix’s staying power as a platform that can do both blockbuster franchises and deeply human storytelling like Adolescence.
Will Owen Cooper Make History?
As the Emmy Awards approach, all eyes are now on Owen Cooper.
Could he walk away as the youngest male winner in Emmy acting history? The category is competitive, but his performance has struck a chord. And that’s not nothing. The Emmys aren’t just about prestige—they’re about impact.
The show airs live from Los Angeles on September 14, with audiences watching to see whether the teen with a heavy script and a tender performance will turn his nomination into a moment for the ages.
