Jake Gyllenhaal gave 15-year-old Emmy nominee Owen Cooper a once-in-a-lifetime surprise during the 2025 Emmy Awards, creating a heartwarming moment captured in a video shared by Netflix ahead of the ceremony on September 14.
A Dream Meeting for Owen Cooper
Cooper, star of Adolescence, revealed who he most wanted to meet at the Emmys:
“I think everyone knows that Jake Gyllenhaal is my top, No. 1,” he said.
Moments later, the Donnie Darko actor appeared in the hallway, admitting he felt both “nervous” and “excited” to meet the teen star. Cooper’s reaction was priceless — he gasped, covered his face, and hugged Gyllenhaal in sheer excitement.
A Thoughtful Gift from Jake Gyllenhaal
During their meeting, Gyllenhaal presented Cooper with a small box containing a “lucky duck” charm.
“I made this movie and I got nominated for an Academy Award, and a friend of mine sent me this before. Something just like this,” Gyllenhaal explained, handing over the charm “to keep in your pocket, to give you a little bit of luck.”
Owen Cooper’s Big Emmy Moment
The heartwarming encounter didn’t end there. On the Emmys red carpet, Cooper told Entertainment Tonight:
“It was one of the best days of my life, really.”
Later, Cooper made history by winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while Gyllenhaal lost to Cooper’s co-star Stephen Graham.
Why This Moment Matters
The interaction between Jake Gyllenhaal and Owen Cooper highlights the magic of awards season — not just the recognition for talent but the connections and inspiration shared between actors across generations. Fans celebrated both Cooper’s historic win and Gyllenhaal’s thoughtful gesture.
