Inside Adolescence Star Owen Cooper’s Historic Rise to Fame

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Like many teenage boys, Owen Cooper dreamed of becoming a soccer star. 

You know, it’s always amazing to see young talent shine! This 16-year-old isn’t making headlines for sports, though – he’s quickly becoming a star on the red carpet! I was so thrilled to see him take home awards at both the Critics Choice Awards and the Emmys for his incredible performance in Adolescence. It’s a breakout role, and he’s definitely one to watch!

Owen is nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 Golden Globes, taking place on January 11th. He’s up against his fellow cast member Ashley Waters, as well as Billy Crudup (from The Morning Show), Walton Goggins and Jason Isaacs (both from The White Lotus), and Tramell Tillman (Severance).

Owen shared with Netflix’s Tudum that his acting interest came as a surprise, even to himself. He explained that he asked his parents if he could take drama classes. “They were pretty shocked,” he said, “because I’d always dreamed of being a soccer player.”

The teenager, who recently made history as the youngest male Emmy winner at 15, says his new hobby came as a surprise. Despite still playing soccer, he explained that this passion developed unexpectedly.

Despite having no prior acting experience, Owen quickly landed the part of Jamie, a 13-year-old boy suspected of a terrible crime, and will appear alongside Stephen Graham. He was chosen for the role by casting director Shaheen Baig from a group of almost 500 applicants.

Shaheen, the casting director for shows like Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror, recalled seeing Owen’s audition tape and immediately noticing his strong on-camera presence and clever improvisational skills. She told Tudum it all felt very authentic and natural.

According to the young actor, filming Adolescence – his very first time on a movie set – felt like a relaxing vacation.

Despite being really nervous, he was also incredibly happy. He looked forward to filming every day, waking up two hours early just to prepare. He was so excited, he’d actually skip to the set each morning.

He was excited to start his acting career, but he understood the sensitive nature of the story – it dealt with issues like sexism, online communities of isolated men, the impact of the internet, and bullying and violence – and knew it needed to be approached thoughtfully.

Owen explained to Teen Vogue in March that Jamie is a typical 13-year-old with a supportive family. Because of this, the events of the story – specifically, the murder – are particularly shocking and impactful for him and his family, which Owen believes makes the writing so strong. He felt a lot of pressure taking on the role, as it’s challenging and deals with very sensitive topics.

Since it premiered, the Netflix series has been competing with some of the year’s best-reviewed shows and movies, like The Beast in Me and All Her Fault. Despite all the excitement, though, he shared that he doesn’t particularly focus on the attention he’s receiving.

He’s ambitious, though. Jacob Elordi, the actor known for his role in Wuthering Heights and set to play a young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film, is determined to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award – an EGOT.

In December, he jokingly asked the Associated Press if that meant he had an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. He added with a smile, “I have the ‘E,’ so I’m hoping to get the rest!”

Winning a Golden Globe would be fantastic, but Owen is really focused on simply enjoying his work. He recently told Dazed that his five-year plan is to continue collaborating with talented people and doing the same kind of work he loves today.

While the team behind Adolescence awaits the results of the 2026 Golden Globes, stay tuned for more reactions to this year’s celebrity nominations.

Being part of this film with Jessie, Chloé, Maggie, and the entire incredible team has completely reshaped my approach to filmmaking and the stories I want to tell. Making Hamnet was a true honor, and I’m so grateful to the Golden Globes for acknowledging our work.

I’m incredibly excited that the show and Adam received Golden Globe nominations, and I’m so happy to be recognized alongside them. This show feels like family, and I’m grateful for this acknowledgment.

I’m incredibly grateful for my Smashing Machine family today. Thank you to the Golden Globes for this wonderful recognition and for celebrating the experience of making the film with all of us.

I’m incredibly honored to receive my first Golden Globe nomination! It feels both humbling and surreal to be recognized alongside such a talented group of performers who consistently deliver amazing work.

Playing Mark Kerr was the most impactful and rewarding experience of my career. I’m incredibly grateful to Mark for sharing his story and trusting me with portraying his life. I also want to celebrate my brother and our amazing director, Benny Safdie. I feel so lucky to have worked with Emily Blunt, who gave a powerful and moving performance as Dawn Staples that truly touched everyone. I’m still amazed by the incredible makeup work of Kazu Hiro and the dedication of the entire crew, who became like family and poured their hearts into this project. This experience was life-changing, and I’m deeply thankful for it all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

 

I’m deeply honored to receive a Golden Globe award for my role as Aunt Gladys in Zach Cregger’s film, WEAPONS, and that the film itself was also recognized. This award really highlights Zach’s incredible vision and the hard work of our amazing team, including Leo Satkovich, Jason Collins, and Melizah Wheat, who were essential in creating Gladys’s look, as well as our fantastic costume designer, Trish Summerville.

This project was a real team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone’s help. It’s been amazing to see how positively audiences, critics, and the media have reacted to the film these past few months. It’s also been so much fun seeing people dress up as “Gladys!” I want to acknowledge the other amazing women nominated in this category – Emily, Elle, Ariana, Inga, and Teyana – they embody the strength and talent of women in film.

  • “I am deeply grateful for this recognition. Task was built by an extraordinary cast and crew, built on incredibly good writing and direction and nurtured by the inimitable guidance of HBO. I’m so proud to be part of this team. Thank you for seeing us.”

“I am beyond honored to be nominated. Thank you to the Golden Globes for recognizing the film. I am in the company of actors I have long admired, loved and learned from; It’s a true dream come true. I love making movies!!!”

I’m thrilled the show received Golden Globe recognition. It’s a pleasure working with such a wonderful cast and crew.

I’m truly honored by this nomination. It feels like recognition not just for my own work, but for the incredible effort of the 250 artists who bring ‘Hacks’ to life. ‘Hacks’ is all about the joy of creating comedy with people you care about, and I share this honor with my amazing and beloved coworkers.

Thank you to the Golden Globes, and congratulations to the entire cast and crew of SINNERS! Playing two different brothers in this project was the most challenging and fulfilling experience of my career. We wouldn’t be here without the incredible vision and courage of Ryan Coogler. He pushed us to reach new heights, just as he did ten years ago when we first began working together. SINNERS is a complex film that explores themes of love, loss, and the true cost of freedom. By honoring this film, you’re acknowledging not only our work, but also the legacy of brave and original storytelling in the industry. Thank you so much.

We’re so excited and grateful for the Golden Globe recognition! Working with this incredible team – our ‘Beastie’ gang – has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my career. As my amazing co-star, Matthew Rhys, put it, it felt like an Olympic team from start to finish. I’m incredibly thankful for every moment of this journey with such a wonderful group of people!

Working on Hamnet was the greatest honor of my career. It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever. I’m incredibly grateful to have played Agnes, especially alongside such talented and supportive people. Thank you to the Golden Globes for recognizing our film, and I share this award with Chloé, Paul, Maggie, and everyone who helped bring it to life. I’m immensely proud of what we all achieved together.

 

I’m incredibly grateful to the Golden Globes for this amazing award. It meant so much to me to play this character, and I really connected with the film’s themes about the tough decisions we all face in life. I want to thank director Park Chan-wook and everyone who worked on NO OTHER CHOICE, and I’m also so happy that KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is being celebrated!

I’m incredibly grateful to the Golden Globes for recognizing Adolescence. The global response to the show has been amazing. This nomination is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, both the actors and the crew. We also want to thank Netflix for believing in our unusual vision and making it a reality. And to Stephen, Owen, Erin, and Ashley – your performances were phenomenal, and it means so much to see you all individually acknowledged.

“We are overjoyed at these nominations. Adolescence is very shocked to belong at the Golden table but delighted to be sitting there all the same! Thank you Golden Globes members!”—Jack Thorne

I was thrilled to learn that ‘No Other Choice’ received three Golden Globe nominations this morning! It’s a huge honor.

I’m incredibly thankful the film resonated with so many people globally. I’m particularly pleased because this kind of recognition isn’t something my films usually receive.

I want to start by sending a huge thank you to CJ and NEON – I couldn’t have done this without their support! And a massive congratulations to my incredible lead actor and dear friend, Byung Hun. I’m bursting with pride for everything he’s achieved.

I’m so happy to be nominated! The Golden Globes have always been important to me – I actually won a couple awards there over 20 years ago, and I’ve hosted the show five times. This nomination means a lot because Mortality is my favorite project I’ve worked on so far. Wishing the best to all the other nominees, and thank you!

 

Laughter truly brings everyone together, and I’m incredibly honored to be nominated for a Golden Globe for my stand-up comedy special. I’m so grateful to the Golden Globes and to Netflix for giving me a platform to reach a worldwide audience. Comedy is my passion, and I’m thrilled to share it with all of you. Thank you to everyone who’s watched and supported me – I appreciate you all so much!

I’m so grateful to the Golden Globes for this amazing award! It’s unbelievable to be mentioned alongside such talented people – I’m truly honored. I absolutely loved working on this film, and I’m especially thankful for Renate, Stellan, Elle, Eskil, and Joachim. I’m so happy they’re being recognized for their fantastic contributions as well. Thank you to Neon and Mubi for their wonderful support. Making Sentimental Value was a dream come true!

We are absolutely delighted and deeply honored that KPop Demon Hunters has been recognized by the Golden Globes! Speaking for the entire cast and crew, this is a dream come true, and we are incredibly thankful to the Golden Globes, Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and everyone who believed in our project over the last seven years.

We’re still amazed by how much this film has resonated around the world, and we’re incredibly grateful to the fans who connected with the characters – Rumi, Mira, Zoey, the Saja Boys, and even Derpy Tiger and Sussie! Their support helped our film achieve recognition, including nominations for Best Animated Motion Picture and for its box office success. Thank you to all our fans!

We’re incredibly proud of EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, IDO, and Teddy for the recognition of their song ‘Golden,’ which we truly believe is the song of the year! We’ve worked hard and come so far, and now we’re feeling hopeful. Thank you! — Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle Wong

I’m incredibly thankful for the entire Bugonia team and appreciate the Golden Globe nominations. Making Bugonia was a truly unique experience, and working with Jesse, who absolutely deserves his nomination, was a highlight. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic script by Will Tracy and the brilliant, heartfelt direction of Yorgos Lanthimos. I’m so grateful to our amazing cast and crew, and feel lucky to have been a part of this film. Thank you for recognizing and appreciating it.

I’m incredibly thankful for the Golden Globes’ recognition of Sentimental Value. These nominations reflect the passion and skill everyone poured into making our film. I’m honored to share this with Stellan, Elle, Inga, Renate, and my close friend and co-writer, Eskil Vogt. We aimed to create a film exploring family, forgiveness, and how art can offer healing, and we’re so grateful for the warm reception it’s received.

 

I woke up to wonderful news and my heart was pounding! I initially thought I’d slept through something important, and I might have even screamed when I realized why I was being called. It’s still so surreal and amazing to be recognized alongside such talented performers. I’m incredibly grateful to my friend and director, Nia DaCosta, for believing in me as Hedda, and to Amazon MGM Studios/Orion for their support of this film. I also want to thank the entire cast and crew, especially the brilliant Nina Hoss – their talent truly elevated my performance.

It was a true honor to play such a well-known character. I felt a connection to all the storytellers who came before and will come after, and I was dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience – the beauty, the challenges, the fear, and the wonder of it all. I’m grateful to the Golden Globes for recognizing our work and for this nomination.

I’m incredibly honored and thrilled to be nominated – it feels like a dream! I’m also deeply touched by the total of eight nominations, recognizing the work of the entire cast, Joachim, and the film itself.

This movie feels incredibly special to me, and to everyone involved – it truly was a collaborative effort with the cast and crew. I’m just so happy to see a film like this, told in such a unique way, getting the recognition and love it deserves.

I’m incredibly excited and thankful for this Golden Globe nomination and all the support for One Battle After Another. I’m deeply grateful to Paul Thomas Anderson – he’s been an amazing mentor and friend, and this opportunity wouldn’t have happened without him. To the entire One Battle After Another cast and crew, both on and off screen, you constantly inspire me. This film has been an unforgettable experience, and I feel truly blessed.

I’m incredibly honored and thankful to the Golden Globes for the nomination this morning. It means so much to be recognized with such talented colleagues – Britt, Tramell, and the entire hardworking team behind Severance!

“I’m absolutely honored and humbled to be nominated alongside this inspiring group of artists.  I share this recognition with our behind the scenes crew-members, who craft the characters with us every day.  Thank you to the Golden Globes and to our fans, whose kindness and creativity warm our hearts.”

I’m so grateful to the Golden Globes for this award. Making Frankenstein has been a lifelong dream, and it means the world to me that it’s been so well received. I’m also incredibly proud that my brothers, Oscar, Jacob, and Alexandre, are being recognized for their amazing work today.

 

It’s been 25 years since the Golden Globes first recognized me for my work in Traffic, and I’m deeply grateful to be back here today receiving this honor. Thank you to the Golden Globes. Congratulations to my fellow nominees, Jacob, Paul, Adam, Stellan, and Sean – it’s a pleasure to be in this category with you all. And to my incredible team, the One Battle family – Adam, Sara, Leo, Sean, Chase, Teyana, Regina, and our leader Paul – I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together and excited to continue this journey with you.

I was so excited to work on that show! It was a fantastic experience collaborating with Charlie Brooker, Jessica Rhoades, and the entire Black Mirror team. Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor also did a brilliant job, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.

Playing Grace was a deeply challenging but incredibly fulfilling role for me. I’m so thankful to Marty Scorsese for trusting me with this story and choosing me to play Grace. I also want to thank the brilliant Lynne Ramsay for her meticulous attention to detail throughout the entire film, and the Golden Globes for this honor. It’s amazing to be recognized alongside such talented people.

I’m incredibly honored to be nominated alongside such talented actresses, and I’m truly speechless. I want to thank writer and director Mary Bronstein for giving me an amazing opportunity in her film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, with A24. She placed a lot of trust in me with her very personal story, and after eight years of dedication, she brought this unique film to life – I share this nomination with her.

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2026-01-11 19:20