Talent rarely comes this young, but 15-year-old Owen Cooper was a massive standout during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. His victory for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series came due to his unforgettable portrayal in “Adolescence.” This beautiful, harrowing series tackles all the complicated topics that come with being a young adult and having your adolescence stripped from you. It’s the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a character unbelievably played by Cooper.
In “Adolescence,” the story starts to get real, and really dark. When Jamie Miller’s worst fears come true and police arrest him for the murder of a popular teenage girl, Katie, he is thrown into a terrifying situation. Tragically, Katie was a classmate of Jamie’s, further complicating an emotional story that already had layers upon layers. The series does an amazing job of showcasing the plight of young people today. It does so while daring to address real-life events that have affected teenagers in the U.K., particularly those involving violence against young girls.
Many have attributed Stephen Graham’s starring role in “Adolescence” with his standout performance at the Emmy Awards. He walked away with three of the most elite awards! He received a lot of praise, especially for Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. His co-writer, Jack Thorne, won the award for Best Writing in the same category. Erin Doherty also received critical acclaim as Best Supporting Actress for her role in the series. At the same time, Philip Barantini was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Directing. Collectively, “Adolescence” won a total of six trophies, including the day’s most coveted prize—Best Limited or Anthology Series.
In his acceptance speech, Graham seemed overwhelmed by the honor bestowed upon him, uttering deep expressions of appreciation. He emphasized the importance of unity and respect among the cast and crew, stating:
“What we do, it’s not a game of footy. Do you know what I mean? There are no winners, and there are no losers.” – Stephen Graham
Graham further elaborated on the collaborative spirit of the production, saying:
“But what we managed to create was a beautiful family. And whether you were number one on the call sheet or number 101, we were treated equally. And everyone was respected and treated with the utmost of respect. We’re all the same.” – Stephen Graham
His authentic words struck a chord with attendees, reminding everyone of the special bond that was created during production. He encouraged everyone to support one another, regardless of their roles in the industry:
“Whether or not you were an executive producer … or you were the fella that was cleaning the toilets in our Winnebagos, we were all equal. So just look after each other and give your mate a cuddle or a kiss, and tell them that you love them.” – Stephen Graham
In an emotional moment, Graham acknowledged his wife, expressing his love and appreciation:
“My adorable wife, who I love with every ounce of my being. You are my rock. You are my world. You are my soul mate. And you know and I know, without you, I would be dead. So from the bottom of my heart, I love you.” – Stephen Graham
Graham’s humility shone through as he reflected on his journey in the industry:
“This kind of thing doesn’t normally happen to a kid like me.” – Stephen Graham
The success of “Adolescence” at the Emmy Awards underscores its powerful storytelling and its relevance to contemporary societal issues faced by youth. The series has captivated audiences and critics, establishing the acclaimed series’ rightful place as one of the most important works in modern television.
