Meet 15-year-old Owen Cooper, the youngest male Emmy winner ever, breaking decades-old record

The 77th Emmy Awards witnessed history as 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest male actor ever to win an acting award. Cooper, who stars in Netflix’s drama Adolescence, took home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie.

The audience erupted in applause as he stepped on stage to thank the cast, crew, and his parents. Reflecting on his journey, Cooper said, “Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years ago, I didn't expect to be in the United States, never mind here, but I think tonight proves that if you listen, focus, and step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing three years ago, and I'm here now. Who cares if you get embarrassed? Anything is possible.”

With this win, Cooper broke Michael A. Goorjian’s record, who was 23 when he became the youngest winner in the category in 1994. He also surpassed Scott Jacoby, who won at 16 in 1973 for The Certain Summer, becoming the youngest male actor ever to win an Emmy in any acting category.