Actor Awards 2026: Owen Cooper Creates History, Dethrones Kate Winslet As The Youngest Winner

Aayu SharmaMon, March 2, 2026 at 3:41 AM UTC

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Adolescence star Owen Cooper is turning this awards season into a history-making run, and the Actor Awards were no exception.

The 16-year-old actor from Warrington, England, took home the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series award, becoming the youngest winner in the category’s history. Cooper eclipsed Kate Winslet, who was 20 when she won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for her performance in the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility.

The actor was not present at the ceremony, and his award was collected by presenters Damson Idris and Yerin Ha. Idris joked that Cooper was unable to attend, adding, ‘Owen couldn’t be here, so I’ll be taking this home — thank you."

Cooper edged past industry veterans such as Jason Bateman (Black Rabbit), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Charlie Hunnam (Monster: The Ed Gein Story), and Matthew Rhys (The Beast in Me) to win the trophy.

Cooper's golden run in awards season began in September 2025, when he took home the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie award at the Emmys. He was 15 at the time and became the youngest male actor to win the prestigious award, and the youngest actor ever to be nominated in the aforementioned category. Meanwhile, he took home the Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film trophy at this year's Golden Globes, and by doing so, he went on to become the youngest winner in that particular category. But that's not all, he was also the second-youngest male to win a Golden Globe.

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: (L-R) Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty attend Netflix's FYSEE ADOLESCENCE ATAS Official at Saban Theatre on May 27, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Netflix (Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Netflix)

Adolescence itself has enjoyed a strong awards run, winning multiple prizes across major ceremonies and gaining attention for its ambitious storytelling style and emotionally heavy themes. The series explores youth violence, accountability, and the social pressures shaping modern adolescence, helping it resonate with viewers worldwide and become one of Netflix’s most critically discussed limited series in recent years.

Despite the growing spotlight, the teenager’s career is only just beginning, with upcoming projects already in development following the breakout success of Adolescence.

With another major award secured, Owen Cooper’s rapid ascent shows no signs of slowing, positioning him as one of the most promising young actors currently working in television.

Related: Why Did the SAG Awards Change Their Name to the Actor Awards?

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”