British actor Stephen Graham has given UK fans plenty to smile about after winning big at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles.
The Liverpool-born star took home the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television, thanks to his powerful role in Netflix’s hit drama Adolescence.
The win not only marks another major milestone in Graham’s career but also delivered one of the most emotional and talked-about moments of the night.
What did Stephen Graham win at the 2026 Golden Globes?
Stephen Graham, 52, won his Golden Globe for portraying Eddie Miller in Netflix’s limited series Adolescence.
The drama, released globally in 2025, centres on a working-class British family dealing with devastating allegations against their teenage son. Graham’s raw, grounded performance struck a chord with viewers in the UK and beyond.
Shoutout to Stephen Graham for winning the #GoldenGlobes award for Best Male Actor – Television – Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture in Adolescence! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/qoDZFE0hJ5
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026
Key facts at a glance:
- Award: Best Male Actor – Limited Series or TV Movie
- Event: 83rd Golden Globe Awards
- Location: Los Angeles, USA
- Year: 2026
- Platform: Netflix
Adolescence also picked up five Golden Globe nominations, underlining its strong critical reception.
Why did his acceptance speech resonate so strongly?
Graham’s speech stood out for its honesty, warmth and unmistakable Liverpool humility.
As he walked to the stage, cameras caught him sharing a heartfelt embrace with Leonardo DiCaprio, his former co-star from Gangs of New York (2002), reminding audiences of Graham’s long-standing Hollywood respect.
Once on stage, Graham thanked his fellow nominees before turning to his wife, Hannah Walters, who is also an executive producer on Adolescence and appeared briefly in the series.
“You saved my life,” Graham said, addressing Walters directly, drawing audible emotion from the room.
He went on to dedicate the award to his mother, friends, and wider family, before giving a special mention to his children, Grace and Alfie, telling them how proud he was.
What was the Queen Latifah moment everyone is talking about?
Mid-speech, Graham spotted Queen Latifah in the audience and gave her an unexpected but joyful shoutout, sparking laughter and applause across the room.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, praised for its spontaneity and Graham’s genuine excitement at seeing the US star.
Stephen Graham wins the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for ‘Adolescence’ and thanks his wife, friends, father and shouts out Queen Latifah 😭 #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/DsELUXcMKf
— clubheartbreak (@clubheartbreak) January 12, 2026
How does this win compare to Stephen Graham’s recent awards success?
This Golden Globe win adds to an already impressive awards run for the actor.
| Award Body | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor – Limited Series | 2025 |
| Critics Choice Awards | Best Actor – Limited Series | 2026 |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Male Actor – Limited Series | 2026 |
For a UK actor known for gritty realism rather than Hollywood gloss, the recognition highlights how British storytelling continues to travel globally.
Who were the other nominees in Stephen Graham’s category?
The category was packed with high-profile talent, including:
- Jacob Elordi – The Narrow Road to the Deep North
- Paul Giamatti – Black Mirror
- Charlie Hunnam – Monster: The Ed Gein Story
- Jude Law – Black Rabbit
- Matthew Rhys – The Beast in Me
Despite stiff competition, Graham’s emotionally grounded performance stood out to voters.
Why does Stephen Graham’s success matter to UK audiences?
Graham’s journey, from Liverpool theatre stages to global award wins, resonates strongly with UK viewers. His roles often reflect working-class British life, tackling tough themes without glamour or exaggeration.
His Golden Globe win reinforces the idea that UK talent, rooted in authenticity, can lead international storytelling without losing its identity.
