In a night characterized by historic achievements, Netflix’s acclaimed drama Adolescence dominated the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards, clinching a remarkable four awards, including an unprecedented honor for 16-year-old Owen Cooper as the best supporting actor. This milestone sets a new record for the most wins at the BAFTAs in a single ceremony.
Released in March 2025, Adolescence has sparked national discussions, and its impact was palpable at the awards, where it was honored as the Best Limited Series. The ceremony also celebrated the performances of Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco, who received accolades for their compelling portrayals in this gripping narrative.
Cooper’s triumph is historic, marking him as the youngest recipient of the best supporting actor award. As he accepted his trophy, the Warrington native paid homage to the Beatles, uttering, "In the words of John Lennon, you won’t get anything unless you have the vision to imagine it. I believe you need three things to succeed: an obsession; a dream; and, of course, the Beatles!"
Stephen Graham, who portrayed Cooper's father in the series, celebrated his own win as the Best Leading Actor. His heartfelt speech resonated with aspiring actors in the audience. "We tell the human condition through our art, and we have the responsibility to tell beautiful stories that need to be heard," he asserted, also nodding to the Beatles: "As the kid said earlier, all we need is love." This victory marked Graham's first BAFTA win after seven nominations.
The Best Leading Actress award went to Narges Rashidi, who shone portraying Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in the BBC One series Prisoner 951. In a poignant acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an imprisoned British-Iranian woman, expressing, "Your resilience has moved us all. This award is for you and your indomitable spirit."
Among the notable winners of the evening was The Celebrity Traitors, taking home two awards including Best Reality Programme. With over 15 million viewers, the show captivated audiences last year, ensuring its place in television history. Host Claudia Winkleman recognized the show’s remarkable cast and their heartfelt performances.
Another highlight was the Best Entertainment Programme award for Prime Video's Last One Laughing, with Bob Mortimer earning accolades for best entertainment performance as he tried to keep a straight face while making competitors laugh.
As the awards concluded, the night served as a reminder of the powerful storytelling and performances that define British television today, blending the personal and profound into moments that resonate deeply with viewers across the nation.
For a complete list of winners and further details, visit the BAFTA official page.
Source: BBC Entertainment
