"Adolescence" actor Owen Cooper made Emmys history Sunday night, becoming the youngest actor to win outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.

The 15-year-old British star, who was also the youngest nominee ever in the category, won for playing the violent young boy Jamie Miller in Netflix's hit crime drama. "It's so surreal," Cooper told the crowd. "Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple years back, I didn't expect to be even in the United States, never mind here."

He continued: "But I think tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out of your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life. I was nothing about three years ago, (but) I'm here now."

Cooper added that though it's his name on the trophy, the win "really belongs to the people behind the camera" and the entire cast.

Netflix celebrates Cooper's 'incredible performance'

"It means so much to me, my family, the people back home," Cooper told press backstage about his historic Emmys win. "I genuinely don't know what to say. It means the world."

Cooper added his friends back home, who want to be "footballers," would be "over the moon" about his achievement when they wake up.

Netflix also celebrated Cooper's big win and lauded his "incredible performance."

The series, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, was produced by Plan B Entertainment, the studio headed by Brad Pitt.

"Adolescence" also won in the following categories during the 77th Emmy Awards:

  • Outstanding limited or anthology series
  • Outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie: Stephen Graham
  • Outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie: Erin Doherty
  • Outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series or movie: Jack Thorne & Stephen Graham
  • Outstanding directing for a limited or anthology series or movie: Philip Barantini

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper makes Emmys history as youngest winner

Reporting by Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect