Best actor titles for Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper as Adolescence leads Critics Choice Awards 2026
Adolescence triumphs at the Critics Choice Awards 2026, securing four wins.
Adolescence has been crowned Best Limited Series at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, with three of its stars earning top acting accolades.
The four-part Netflix drama, co-written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, was filmed in one continuous shot and sees teenager Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), accused of murdering a teenage girl, named Katie. Graham plays Jamie's father, Eddie Miller. The cast also includes Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty and Faye Marsay.
Directed by Liverpool-born Philip Barantini, the psychological drama follows Jamie’s family and police detectives search for answers in the wake of the shocking tragedy. It is full of difficult moments and incredible acting, and delves into how social media and ‘incel’ culture shapes the youth of today.
The British drama racked up 66.3 million views in just two weeks - making it the most-watched UK series of all time on Netflix - and sparked important conversations in the House of Commons. It has since earned numerous accolades and titles, including top Emmy awards, NTAs and Gotham Awards.
The Critics Choice Awards - considered to be the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations - staged a star-studded awards ceremony in California on Sunday (January 4), with Adolescence winning big once again.
Adolescence was awarded four prestigious trophies including Best Limited Series, Best Actor in a Limited Series for Stephen Graham, Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for Owen Cooper, and Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for Erin Doherty.
Accepting his award, 16-year-old Owen Cooper said: “The past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family. Honestly, it’s changed our lives forever and we’re forever grateful,” he said.
“Receiving this award means more to me than I can put even into words, to be standing here with you all tonight is something that I’ll never forget.”
The Pitt and The Studio followed closely behind Adolescence, each winning three awards.