Highlights
- Owen Cooper, 15, becomes youngest male winner for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
- Jake Gyllenhaal surprises him with a “lucky duck” gift before the ceremony
- Cooper stars in Netflix’s Adolescence, which won four major awards at the Emmys
Record-breaking Emmy winner Owen Cooper received a surprise gift from his hero, Jake Gyllenhaal, just before the ceremony where he became the youngest male winner in his category.
The 15-year-old Adolescence actor won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Moments earlier, Gyllenhaal presented Cooper with a small “lucky duck” as a token of encouragement.
A dream encounter
Earlier, Cooper had spoken about wanting to meet Gyllenhaal on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, saying he would “just stare” if the encounter ever happened. During a hotel interview, Cooper repeated that he might be speechless if he met the Nightcrawler star, 44.
Seconds later, Gyllenhaal appeared in the corridor, telling the camera, “Now, like, I’m nervous… Like, I feel nervous. I’m excited,” before entering the room. Cooper, visibly stunned, covered his mouth and turned away in disbelief before embracing the actor.
Gyllenhaal explained the gift, saying, “I have a present for you… I made this movie and I got nominated for an Academy Award, and a friend of mine sent me this before [the show]—something just like this.” Cooper unwrapped the lucky duck, which included an engraved message, and thanked him, saying, “Oh, wow. That means a lot.”
A historic Emmy night for Netflix
Cooper faced strong competition in his category, including his co-star and Top Boy lead Ashley Walters. Meanwhile, Stephen Graham, another co-star, won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Erin Doherty also won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Adolescence ultimately secured four major trophies at the ceremony.
The Netflix show follows the impact of internet culture on young people and the ripple effects on families and communities. Its immersive, one-shot filming technique heightens the tension and urgency of the story.
