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

Teen Emmy Winner Owen Cooper Heads Back to Homework, Not Hollywood!

Owen Cooper is cheered on by his parents Noreen (in red) and Andy (right) after becoming the youngest male Emmy winner ever at just 15

EMMY SHOCKER: 15-Year-Old Heartthrob Owen Cooper Makes History, But Will He Pass Maths on Time?

In a jaw-dropping moment that left the audience in stitches, 15-year-old rising star Owen Cooper became the youngest male winner of a primetime Emmy Award in the prestigious ceremony's 77-year history. The Warrington native's unforgettable acceptance speech was cut short as he jetted off to the airport to return home to his GCSE exams - but not before sharing some hilarious insights into his school life.

The star-studded event at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles saw Cooper take home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his breathtaking performance as Jamie Miller in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "Adolescence". The drama, which explores themes of toxic masculinity and online extremism, has captivated audiences worldwide with its thought-provoking storyline and outstanding performances.

Owen picked up the award for Best Supporting Actor at TV's answer to the Oscars in Los Angeles last night

Cooper's win marked a groundbreaking moment for the young actor, who has already made headlines for his candid chat on Jimmy Kimmel Live! about his school life. During the show, he confessed to having brought his homework bag to LA, including a pile of maths exercises that left host Jimmy Kimmel giggling. "When you're sitting at the Emmys and you're with all these famous actors, are you thinking, 'Do I really need to know algebra?'" Kimmel quipped.

Cooper's response? "That's what I think about every morning before I go to school... Because I want to pass, I don't want to fail, but..." The young actor's humility and willingness to poke fun at himself endeared him to the audience, leaving many wondering how someone so talented and down-to-earth could be only 15 years old.

But Cooper's whirlwind journey to stardom hasn't gone unnoticed. His parents, Andy and Noreen, were overjoyed as they watched their son pick up his award from none other than Sydney Sweeney. The proud mum was seen embracing her son in tears of pride, while dad Andy couldn't help but beam with excitement.

The show scooped eight awards in all last night including Best Actor for co-star Stephen Graham (pictured with Owen)

The "Adolescence" star's road to success began when he landed the role of Jamie Miller at just 14 years old. Filming for the series took place over several months, with each episode shot as a single take. Cooper's performance earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim, paving the way for his historic Emmy win.

However, it seems that fame hasn't changed Cooper's humble demeanor or commitment to education. His school, which granted him a week-long absence to attend the Emmys, had one condition: that he complete all his homework while in LA - including maths, which he confessed was his weakest subject.

As Cooper jetted off to the airport after his win, his parents and two brothers accompanied him, no doubt eager to see their talented son return home with a new sense of confidence. But will he manage to balance his newfound stardom with school life? Only time will tell - and perhaps his maths homework will be waiting patiently for him when he returns.

Sydney gave Owen a hug as he made history last night

Other notable winners at the 2023 Emmy Awards included John Oliver, who took home the prize for outstanding writing for a variety series, and Adam Randall, who won outstanding directing in a drama series. However, English hopefuls Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Issac failed to take home gongs for their roles in "The White Lotus", with Cooper's win being one of the evening's biggest surprises.

SHOCKING STATISTICS:

  • Owen Cooper is now the youngest male winner of a primetime Emmy Award in history
  • "Adolescence" won a total of eight awards, including Best Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty
  • Cooper's acceptance speech was cut short as he jetted off to the airport to return home to his GCSE exams
  • The young actor brought his homework bag to LA, including maths exercises that left host Jimmy Kimmel giggling

Owen used to play for Warrington Rylands' Under-15 squad - and even gifted one of the team's shirts to Jimmy Kimmel during his appearance on the comedian's late night show

THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE:

As the evening drew to a close, Cooper's win was hailed as a landmark moment for young actors in the industry. With his talent and humility on full display, it's clear that this 15-year-old heartthrob is one to watch - and perhaps even inspire a new generation of students to pursue their passions, no matter how impossible they may seem.

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of entertainment, only on The Scholarly Note!

The actor seen in Adolescence, a show that has been seen by tens of millions of people

Owen beat Javier Bardem (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex), Peter Sarsgaard (Presumed Innocent), Bill Camp (Presumed Innocent) and Ashley Walters (Adolescence)

The feat also makes the 15-year-old one of the youngest Emmy winners ever among all of the acting categories

'Standing up here is just so surreal. Honestly, when I started these drama classes just a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to even be in the United States, let alone here,' he said in his acceptance speech

His costars, Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham, also emerged victorious in their respective categories

Stephen Graham appeared as Jamie Miller's father Eddie in three of the four episodes

Doherty dedicated her first win to her 'big sister Grace' and said she 'wouldn’t be here without' her

Erin played child psychologist Briony Ariston in episode three of the series

Aimee Lou Wood put on a cosy display with boyfriend Adam Long. She lost out after being nominated for her role in The White Lotus

Aimee's co-star Walton Goggins kissed his wife Nadia Conners on the red carpet

Sydney was ever the blonde bombshell as she smoldered in a red hot cleavage-baring Oscar de la Renta gown at the event

Selena Gomez mesmerized in a glamorous red Louis Vuitton gown, with her dark hair pulled into a chic updo

Jenna Ortega wore a daring outfit for last night's bash

White Lotus star Meghann rocked a plunging black velvet dress with strappy black heels

The dress featured extensive ruching

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, brought the drama in a black strapless gown with an elaborate black lace corset top that transitioned into a shimmering black skirt

Cate Blanchett, 56, showed off her edgy style wearing a black velvet jumpsuit with sharply structured shoulders

Justine Lupe, 36, and Shanina Shaik, 34, looked sensational in skin-baring looks

Rita Ora also attended the Emmys last night

She accessorized with dangling earrings

The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal, 50, looked dashing in a cream suit

Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara, 71, wore a dramatic black gown

Fellow Brit, John Oliver, also won for outstanding writing for a variety series

Meanwhile, Adam Randall took home the prize for outstanding directing in a drama series