Emmys 2025: The Youngest Male Actor in Award History Ever to Win

The young man has snagged the title from fellow A-lister Scott Jacoby, who held the milestone after winning an Emmy in 1973 at 16!

He walked into the Peacock Theater as a newcomer — and walked out a legend. At just 15 years old, a teenage actor on the rise made television history on the glittering stage of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025.

He snatched a title that had remained untouched for over half a century, and did it with raw emotion, humble beginnings, and a heartfelt message that left the crowd roaring with applause. The young man's meteoric rise stunned Hollywood insiders, as he beat out an entire slate of seasoned, big-name stars.

A Star Is Born… at 15

That young man is none other than Owen Cooper. Barely old enough to drive, he took home the Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his haunting performance as Jamie Miller in "Adolescence" — a daring, one-take drama that's gripping, unforgiving, and devastatingly timely.

After a touching embrace with his family as his name was announced, Cooper made his way to the stage to receive the award from actress Sydney Sweeney.

It was his first-ever nomination. And in one unforgettable moment, it became his first win, a record-breaking victory that marked him as a once-in-a-generation talent. Taking the mic with a mix of wide-eyed disbelief and candid vulnerability, Cooper delivered his speech to a room full of stars.

"Like, I was nothing about three years ago. I'm here now," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "So I think if you're listening and you're focusing, you're just stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit — who cares if you get embarrassed, you know. Anything can be possible."

His speech, filled with sincere acknowledgments and unscripted charm, highlighted the people who shaped his journey: his parents, friends, and the creative team behind "Adolescence." "They may have my name on this award," Cooper added, "but it really belongs to the people behind the camera."

His heartfelt words brought both laughter and proud smiles to the room, solidifying a moment that was as humble as it was historic.

Owen Cooper Beat Out Hollywood Heavy Weights like Javier Bardem and Peter Sarsgaard

Later that evening, the newly minted Emmy winner celebrated in the most Gen Z way possible — with a humble Instagram Story repost, featuring a triumphant shot of him hoisting the Emmy above his head. The image was originally shared by LADbible, hailing his monumental achievement with pride.

His win didn't come easy. Cooper was up against acting royalty, including A-listers Javier Bardem ("Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"), Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard ("Presumed Innocent"), Rob Delaney ("Dying for Sex"), and even his own co-star, Ashley Walters — all of whom were critically acclaimed and vastly more experienced.

But none of that mattered. What mattered was what happened on that screen. And what Cooper delivered wasn't just a performance — it was a revelation.

His rise to fame has all the markings of a Hollywood fairytale — except it started in Manchester, England, far from red carpets and paparazzi.

Cooper's moment at the Emmys was made all the more powerful by the fact that his journey began just four years ago. At only 11 years old, he stepped into the world of acting through an after-school drama group, having previously never performed in a school play and initially harboring dreams of becoming a footballer.

"I didn't want to do any drama in school. I don't know why, I just didn't want to do it. I started doing it outside of school instead — I was doing it for two years and [sic] drama just helped me get out of my comfort zone a little bit," divulged Cooper in an interview with FLAUNT.

What began as a way to step out of his shell soon evolved into a calling. His breakout role in "Adolescence" catapulted him into the international spotlight.

Adolescence, Controversy, and Cultural Earthquakes

The limited series follows a teenage boy accused of murder, and tackles weighty, real-world themes like online radicalization, youth isolation, and digital toxicity — earning it praise, controversy, and a permanent spot in the pop culture zeitgeist.

The impact was so immense that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer championed the show, backing a national initiative to stream "Adolescence" for free in schools.

Cooper wasn't just acting in the series — he was igniting national dialogue. And now, he shows no signs of slowing down. With upcoming projects alongside Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Aimee Lou Wood already under his belt, Cooper's rapid rise is proving just as unforgettable as the story that launched it.

With his win now etched into television history, he has officially unseated a record that remained untouched for more than half a century.

A Record Holder Remaining Steady for 52 Years Overtaken in a Single Night

Before Cooper, Scott Jacoby held the record for the youngest male Emmy winner. In 1973, Jacoby took home the trophy for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama for his work in "That Certain Summer" — a brave and groundbreaking TV movie exploring homosexuality in an era that rarely addressed it.

But the drama wasn't just on screen. As Jacoby's name was called that night, his mother was in active labor at Booth Memorial Hospital in Flushing, New York, eyes glued to the hospital room television.

She later recalled watching her teenage son win while preparing to bring another child into the world — a family milestone steeped in emotion, timing, and a touch of TV magic.

Roxana Zal Still Holds the Crown…for Now

Though Cooper now holds the record for the youngest male Emmy winner, the youngest Emmy winner of all time remains Roxana Zal, who was just 14 years old when she won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for her haunting role in 1984 for "Something About Amelia." This role required staggering maturity and grace.

Zal, who was already known for her work in "Table for Five" and "Testament," faced initial hesitations and concern from her parents over the role's deeply traumatic themes, but ultimately, her performance left an indelible mark on television history.

Owen Cooper's Moment, and the Road Ahead

Now, Cooper joins that elite club of Emmy prodigies, with a legacy that is just beginning. From Manchester schoolboy to Emmy legend, he's proven that age doesn't limit talent, and that sometimes, the most unforgettable stars are the ones you never saw coming.

Cooper has also proven that with courage, focus, and just a little willingness to get uncomfortable, anything truly is possible.