Owen Cooper’s Growth Spurt Makes Waves at BAFTA Awards
At the recent British Academy Television Awards held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, a notable moment was captured when 16-year-old actor Owen Cooper appeared on the red carpet alongside Stephen Graham. The scene was particularly eye-catching as fans noticed Owen’s significant growth spurt, with many joking that he had grown “10ft taller” since the release of the Netflix series Adolescence in March last year.
Owen made a striking appearance in a quirky white shirt layered with a powder blue bomber jacket and black trousers, while Stephen, 52, opted for a classic black suit. However, it was Owen’s height that became the focal point of discussions among fans. Social media platforms were flooded with comments comparing photos of Owen with Stephen from the past 12 months, highlighting the noticeable change in his stature.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their surprise, with one user writing: “Owen Cooper has grown approximately ten feet taller since Adolescence came out.” Another added: “I’m sorry but Owen Cooper’s growth spurt??? Insane. Teens!” Some questioned whether the growth was genuine or if it was simply due to Stephen being shorter. Others noted that two years ago, Owen was shorter than Stephen, but now he is much taller.
Stephen’s wife, Hannah, who also starred in and produced Adolescence, made an elegant appearance in a Grecian-inspired burgundy gown. The couple, married since 2008, were joined by their daughter Grace, 21, and their 19-year-old son Alfie.
A Groundbreaking Series
Adolescence, created by Stephen Graham and writer Jack Thorne, follows the story of British teenager Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who becomes involved in online radicalisation and ultimately faces tragic consequences. Each episode is filmed in one continuous shot, a unique approach that has been widely praised for its innovative storytelling and addressing complex themes such as online radicalisation and misogyny.
The show received critical acclaim and was nominated for 11 awards when it was announced in March. It broke records at the Royal Festival Hall during the BAFTA Awards, winning multiple categories, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Limited Drama.
Emotional Wins and Heartfelt Speeches
Stephen Graham, who played Jamie’s father, was emotional as he accepted the Best Actor award. He reflected on his previous eight nominations for shows like Help, Time, and This Is England ’90, before finally winning for Adolescence. In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his inspiration, Drew Schofield, and encouraged young aspiring actors.
Owen Cooper, who has made history as the youngest winner of the Best Supporting Actor award at both the Golden Globes and the Emmy Awards, continued his winning streak by taking home the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. His win was followed by heartfelt remarks about the journey and the people who supported him.
Christine Tremarco, who played Owen’s mother in the show, won Best Supporting Actress in a surprise result, beating co-star Erin Doherty, who had previously won the Golden Globe and Emmy Award.
A New Chapter for the Cast and Crew
Owen expressed gratitude for the experiences and connections made through the show, stating that it had changed his life in unexpected ways. He also acknowledged the challenges of working on the project, praising the kindness of the crew and co-stars.
Producer Mark Herbert of Warp Films thanked Stephen Graham for bringing the team together and credited Netflix boss Anne Mensah for taking on the project after Amazon Prime Video had passed on it.
As the cast and crew continue to celebrate their achievements, the success of Adolescence highlights the impact of storytelling that tackles important social issues while pushing creative boundaries.
