Stephen Graham scores first BAFTA acting award for Netflix's ‘Adolescence’ series

Stephen Graham has proudly clinched a BAFTA acting prize for the very first time.

The renowned British actor has previously garnered eight nominations for both BAFTA Film and TV Awards, but tonight marked his debut win of the iconic bronze mask.

Graham secured the Leading Actor award at the BAFTA TV Awards for his role as Eddie Miller in the Netflix series Adolescence.

In achieving this, he surpassed fellow nominees such as Colin Firth (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth), Matt Smith (The Death of Bunny Munro), and Taron Egerton (Smoke).

During his acceptance speech, Graham acknowledged his success by saying, “After eight nominations, this marks my first win," he told attendees, overcome with emotion. Despite intending otherwise, he ended up swearing on stage. “No matter where you start, anything is achievable,” he exclaimed, concluding with a nod to The Beatles, "All we need is love."

This victory adds to a successful awards season for Graham. He was honored with Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the Primetime Emmys and also received the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Given the enduring excellence of Graham’s work, many might be surprised that Adolescence secured his first BAFTA acting award.

His initial nomination was in 2013 for Accused, while his performances in This Is England ’90, Save Me, Boiling Point, and Time also attracted nominations.

The BAFTA TV Awards took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, hosted by Taskmaster presenter Greg Davies.

This was BAFTA's initial broadcast event since the Film Awards, which gained attention for showing racial slurs from Tourette’s advocate John Davidson.