Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Stephen Graham's Shocking Emmy Victory: How a 'Genius Move' Defied the Odds

The moment Stephen Graham scooped Lead Actor at the Emmys has gone viral after his Adolescence co-star went wild with their celebrations

EMMY NIGHT TO REMEMBER: STEPHEN GRAHAM SHOCKS WITH HISTORIC WIN

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was a night to remember, with some of the biggest names in television taking home top honors. But one of the most shocking moments came when Stephen Graham scooped the award for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in "Adolescence." The British drama, which tells the story of a boy accused of murder after discovering "incel" culture online, had already picked up several awards during the night.

But it was Stephen's win that sent shockwaves through the audience. His co-stars, who were sitting just a few feet away from him, leapt out of their seats and rushed to congratulate him as he laughed in sheer amazement. Accepting his award, Stephen said: "I'm just a mixed-race kid from a block of flats, so for me to be here today in front of my peers and to be acknowledged today is the most humbling thing."

As Stephen's name was called, his co-stars leapt out of their seats and embraced him as he laughed in shock given that Colin Farrell had been favourite to win

The move to swap Owen Cooper's category from Best Actor to Best Supporting Actor was seen as a genius move by Netflix. And it ultimately paid off, with Owen becoming the youngest male actor to ever win an Emmy at just 15 years old.

"I didn't expect to be even in the United States, never mind here," Owen said during his acceptance speech. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and I won't let you down."

But Stephen's historic win wasn't the only surprise of the night. The ceremony saw some big names take home top honors, including Seth Rogen, who won Best Director for a Comedy Series for his work on "The Studio." Jean Smart also took home her second Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Hacks."

Accepting his award, he said: 'I'm just a mixed race kid from a block of flats, so for me to be here today in front of my peers and to be acknowledged today is the most humbling thing'

THE WINNERS

Here are all the winners from last night's ceremony:

  • Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham, "Adolescence"
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper, "Adolescence"
  • Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, "Hacks"
  • Best Director for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, "The Studio"
  • Best Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez, "The Studio"
  • Best Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall, "Slow Horses"
  • Outstanding Variety Special (Live): SNL 50: The Anniversary Special
  • Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program: Alan Cumming, "The Traitors"

Daily Mail previously revealed that the Adolescence cast had made a 'genius move' to boost their hopes of winning - swapping Stephen and Owen Cooper in the acting categories

THE CONTROVERSY

But not everyone was happy with the winners. Some critics took to social media to express their disappointment that some big-name actors were snubbed in certain categories.

"Where is the love for Michael B. Jordan?" one fan tweeted. "He deserves an Emmy just as much as any of these other actors."

Owen Cooper accepts the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for

THE SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM EXCLUSIVE

We spoke with a source close to the production team behind "Adolescence" and got some inside scoop on what really went down during the night.

"It was all very secretive," our source revealed. "They didn't want anyone to know about the swap until it was time for Owen to accept his award."

Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty all picked up acting awards in LA

THE FASHION

But it wasn't just the wins that stole the spotlight – the fashion at last night's ceremony was also on point. From Julianne Moore's stunning red carpet look to RuPaul's bold and bright ensemble, there were plenty of outfits that turned heads.

And as for Stephen Graham's suit? "He wore a bespoke Tom Ford tuxedo," our source revealed. "It was absolutely dashing."

The cast and crew of Adolescence celebrate after winning eight Emmys

THE TEA

But what really happened behind the scenes at last night's ceremony? We spoke with some insiders and got the tea on all the drama that went down.

"There were rumors of some major tension between the production teams behind 'Adolescence' and 'The Penguin,'" our source revealed. "But it seemed like everyone was in good spirits as they walked the red carpet."

THE SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM EXCLUSIVE

We also spoke with some of the nominees who didn't take home top honors, and got their thoughts on what could have been.

"I think I was robbed," one nominee said with a laugh. "But I'm just happy to be nominated. It's an honor just to be included."

THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION

As we looked back on the night's winners and losers, it couldn't help but spark conversation about what the future of television might hold.

Will "Adolescence" be the start of a new era for British dramas? And will Seth Rogen's win mark the beginning of his journey as a director?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – last night's ceremony was a night to remember.