Stephen Graham handed out one of the strongest moments of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, as he won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series award for his riveting portrayal of Eddie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence.
A Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
Graham’s heartfelt acceptance speech touched audiences globally.
“This kind of thing never usually happens to a kid like me,” he explained. “I’m just a mixed kid from a flats block somewhere in Kirkby. For me to be standing here today before my peers and to be recognized by you is the biggest humbling moment I could ever think about happening in my life.”
He thanked his wife, co-workers, and actors, closing his speech with a hearty “Namaste everyone,” a move that was appreciated by Indian audiences. Priyanka Chopra even posted his victory on her Instagram Stories with heart symbols and a clip of his speech.
A Historic Night for Adolescence
The evening was as historic for the series Adolescence. 15-year-old Owen Cooper broke Emmy history as the youngest male ever to win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. Erin Doherty won in Outstanding Supporting Actress, and the show also took prizes for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Developed together by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the crime drama tracks the emotional aftermath following an accusation that a schoolboy killed one of his classmates. Originally conceived as a one-season series, it can now potentially go beyond season one as Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment is considering a second season.
Also Read: Adolescence at the Emmys 2025: How Netflix’s Coming-of-Age Drama Stole the Show
Hard Going for Competition in the 2025 Emmys
Graham beat tough contenders such as Jake Gyllenhaal (Presumed Innocent), Colin Farrell (The Penguin), Brian Tyree Henry (Dope Thief), and both Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story).
