Erin Doherty Wins First Emmy for Netflix’s Adolescence

Lead British actress Erin Doherty captured her inaugural Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her performance in Netflix’s Adolescence at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Nut Graf Doherty’s victory underscores her breakout turn as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston and cements Adolescence as one of television’s most celebrated new dramas, earning multiple accolades and sparking conversations about its portrayal of youth and justice.

Emmy Night Triumph

Erin Doherty defeated nominees including Ruth Negga, Deirdre O’Connell, Chloë Sevigny, Jenny Slate and Christine Tremarco to secure her first Emmy Award. The ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze.

Memorable Acceptance Speech

  • Doherty praised her collaborators, singling out co-creator Stephen Graham and executive producer Hannah Walters as “generosity personified”.
  • She dedicated her win to her sister Grace, saying, “I wouldn’t be here without you. I love you with all my heart”.
  • The actress also thanked her partner, Sinead Donnelly, for “making me the happiest person in the world”.

Series Success and Impact

  • Adolescence also won Emmys for Best Directing and Best Writing in a Limited Series, while co-star Owen Cooper made history as the youngest supporting actor winner at age 15.
  • The four-part psychological drama explores the final interview of a 13-year-old murder suspect, sparking viewer debates on youth mental health and the justice system.

What’s Next for Doherty

Following her Emmy win, Doherty is expected to headline upcoming film and television projects, leveraging her newfound recognition to pursue roles that challenge her range and amplify underrepresented voices.