The Television Academy has just set the stage for a potentially historic moment, handing 15-year-old British actor Owen Cooper a groundbreaking Emmy nomination. For his gripping performance in the Netflix limited series Adolescence, Cooper is now one of the youngest nominees in the award show’s history. His nomination is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for young British talent on the global stage.
A Breakout Star in a Crowded Field
Owen Cooper enters the awards season with significant momentum and genuine breakout buzz. His nomination for supporting actor in a limited series or TV movie places him in a category filled with seasoned veterans. If he wins, he will become the youngest male actor to ever receive an acting Emmy.
He faces formidable competition, highlighting the strength of his performance. His fellow nominees include:
- Ashley Walters, his co-star in Adolescence
- Javier Bardem for Monsters
- Peter Sarsgaard for Presumed Innocent
- Rob Delaney for Dying For Sex
Despite the experience of his competitors, Cooper brings a unique freshness and the power of a culturally resonant performance that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
The Powerhouse Series Behind the Nomination
Adolescence tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. The four-part limited series, co-created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, quickly became a critical darling on Netflix due to its raw emotion and deep, human storytelling.
The show’s success is a team effort, with several cast members receiving recognition. Stephen Graham, who also stars in the series, is nominated for best actor. The ensemble’s strength is further proven by supporting actress nominations for both Christine Tremarco and Erin Doherty, making Adolescence a true awards powerhouse.
How Adolescence Stacks up Against the Emmy Giants
While Adolescence earned an impressive 13 nominations, it faces stiff competition from major-budget productions from Apple TV+ and HBO Max. The series has firmly established itself as a top contender in the limited series category, holding its own against the year’s most-nominated shows.
Here is a look at the top contenders by nomination count:
| Show Title | Number of Nominations |
| Severance (Apple TV+) | 27 |
| The Penguin (HBO Max) | 24 |
| The White Lotus (HBO Max) | 23 |
| The Studio (Apple TV+) | 23 |
| The Last of Us (HBO Max) | 16 |
| Adolescence (Netflix) | 13 |
Big Names and First-Time Surprises
This year’s Emmy nominations are full of exciting stories beyond Owen Cooper’s historic nod. In a truly remarkable moment, Harrison Ford received his first-ever Emmy nomination at the age of 83 for his supporting role in the comedy series Shrinking.
Familiar faces also return, with Quinta Brunson earning another nomination for lead actress in Abbott Elementary. The drama categories are packed with talent, including Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), while the comedy field is dominated by hits like The Bear and The Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Owen Cooper’s Emmy Nomination
Who is Owen Cooper?
Owen Cooper is a 15-year-old British actor who has received a historic Emmy nomination for his performance in the Netflix limited series Adolescence, making him one of the youngest nominees ever.
What show is Owen Cooper nominated for?
He is nominated for his role in Adolescence, a four-part Netflix limited series about a 13-year-old boy who is accused of killing a classmate.
How many Emmy nominations did Adolescence receive in total?
The series earned widespread acclaim and received a total of 13 Emmy nominations, including nods for several of its actors and its co-creator, Stephen Graham.
Could Owen Cooper make Emmy history?
Yes. If Owen Cooper wins in his category, he will become the youngest male actor to ever win an acting Emmy award, marking a truly historic moment.
Who are the other top contenders at this year’s Emmys?
The shows with the most nominations are Severance with 27, followed by The Penguin with 24, and both The White Lotus and The Studio with 23 each.
When will the Emmy Awards take place?
The Emmy Awards will air live from Los Angeles on September 14, where audiences will find out if Owen Cooper turns his historic nomination into a win.
