Owen Cooper becomes youngest ever Emmy nominee

At just 15, Owen Cooper earns Emmy nod for Netflix’s 'Adolescence', setting a new record in supporting actor category.

British actor Owen Cooper has made Emmy history, becoming the youngest-ever nominee in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Anthology category. The 15-year-old newcomer received the nod for his gripping role in Netflix’s Adolescence, where he played Jamie Miller, a troubled teen arrested under suspicion of murder.

Cooper’s raw, one-take performance in the gritty drama marked his acting debut, impressing critics and industry veterans alike. His co-star, Stephen Graham, even compared his talent to that of a young Robert De Niro. Adolescence, directed by Philip Barantini, has emerged as one of the year’s breakout limited series and landed a total of 13 nominations.

Cooper breaks the record previously held by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 when nominated in 1972 for That Certain Summer. His fellow nominees include Ashley Walters (also from Adolescence), Javier Bardem (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard (both for Presumed Innocent), and Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex).

Final voting for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards runs from August 18 to 27, with winners announced during the Creative Arts ceremonies on September 6 and 7, followed by the main awards on September 14, broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.

Cooper’s recognition signals a generational shift in prestige TV, as younger actors continue to break through in increasingly complex roles. His performance also underscores Netflix’s growing influence in the limited series category.