If you’ve ever wondered what awards has Joe Keery won, you’re not alone. Fans of the hit Stranger Things series often recognize him as the lovable Steve Harrington from the globally popular Netflix original series, yet many are surprised to learn that his achievements go far beyond Hawkins, Indiana.
From sharing a prestigious Screen Actors Guild Award with his castmates to earning a major music industry nomination, Joe Keery’s career reflects both talent and smart creative choices. As an actor and musician, he has built credibility in television and the indie music world, proving that his success is not just hype but hard-earned recognition.
Who Is Joe Keery? (Quick Facts & Overview)
Before answering in depth what awards has Joe Keery won, you need context. Joe Keery is an American actor and musician best known for playing the Steve Harrington character in Stranger Things (2016–present) on Netflix. His role as the charming teen from Hawkins, Indiana made him a breakout star.
He studied at DePaul University and graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University with a BFA in Acting. He later expanded into music as Djo, previously experimenting under Cool Cool Cool. His work crosses television, film, and the indie music scene.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joe Keery |
| Famous Role | Steve Harrington character |
| Breakout Show | Stranger Things (2016–present) |
| Award Won | Screen Actors Guild Award (2017) |
| Music Alias | Djo |
| Major Nomination | Grammy Awards (2026 nomination) |
Early Life, Family & Education
Understanding what awards has Joe Keery won requires looking at his foundation. Joe Keery grew up in Massachusetts and developed a love for performance early. He later joined The Theatre School at DePaul University, earning his BFA in Acting.
His education shaped him into a disciplined Hollywood actor. Teachers encouraged him to take risks. That training helped him survive dozens of auditions before landing a life-changing role in a Netflix original series.
How Joe Keery Started His Career
Before fame, Joe Keery appeared in Commercials (KFC, Domino’s Pizza, amiibo). One ad recreated a Ferris Bueller commercial homage. He also had a Chicago Fire guest role and an Empire TV appearance. These small steps built confidence.
He originally went through a Jonathan Byers audition. Instead, he landed the Steve Harrington character. The Season 1 character arc was meant to be short. However, The Duffer Brothers rewrote his story after seeing his charm.
Joe Keery’s Film Career (Movies List & Major Projects)
When discussing what awards has Joe Keery won, his film work matters too. He starred in the Cold Storage film, a Liam Neeson film collaboration, and appeared in Fargo (2023–2024). These roles expanded his image beyond high school drama.
He transformed from teen heartthrob in a Scoops Ahoy uniform to serious performer. His work in Fargo Season 5 proved depth. Directors now see him as more than a supporting actor from the Upside Down world of Demogorgons.
| Year | Project |
| 2016 | Stranger Things (2016–present) |
| 2023 | Fargo (2023–2024) |
| 2025 | Cold Storage |
Joe Keery’s Music Career (Djo & Band History)
Many fans asking what awards has Joe Keery won forget his music. He played in the Post Animal band, a rising psychedelic rock band in the indie music scene. The band explored neo-psychedelia and alternative rock.
He launched a solo music project as Djo, releasing Twenty Twenty (2019) and Decide (2022). His hit End of Beginning became a TikTok viral song on the TikTok platform and climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It earned RIAA certification and massive Spotify monthly listeners.
| Album | Year |
| Twenty Twenty (2019) | 2019 |
| Decide (2022) | 2022 |
| The Crux (2025) | 2025 |
Awards, Achievements & Recognition
Now let’s clearly answer what awards has Joe Keery won. He won the Screen Actors Guild Award (2017) with the ensemble cast of Stranger Things (2016–present). This award recognized outstanding teamwork in drama television.
He later received a Grammy Awards (2026 nomination) for Best Album Cover for The Crux (2025). His song End of Beginning gained RIAA certification after reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Though individual acting awards remain limited, industry respect keeps growing.
| Award | Result |
| Screen Actors Guild Award (2017) | Won |
| Grammy Awards (2026 nomination) | Nominated |
Joe Keery Net Worth & Income Sources
When analyzing what awards has Joe Keery won, financial growth also reflects success. Reports estimate his net worth in the millions due to Netflix salary and music tours.
If you’re interested in comparing celebrity earnings across industries, you can also explore how tech billionaires build their wealth in our detailed breakdown of Elon Musk’s net worth.
Revenue streams include streaming on Spotify, royalties from the Billboard Hot 100 chart, film roles, and touring as a synth-pop artist and indie rock musician. His awards boosted credibility, which increased his market value.
Personal Life, Relationships & Public Image
Fans often connect what awards has Joe Keery won with his popularity. As a rising New York City actor, he keeps a balanced life and avoids scandals.
His image shifted from teen bully to protective hero in Hawkins, Indiana. The growth of the Steve Harrington character made him relatable. Interviews show humility despite fame.
15–20 Interesting & Lesser-Known Facts About Joe Keery
While exploring what awards has Joe Keery won, here are deeper facts. His character almost died in Season 1. The Season 1 character arc changed because The Duffer Brothers admired his performance. He helped redefine modern TV redemption arcs.
He balances acting with touring. His solo music project reached millions of Spotify monthly listeners. He explores sound influenced by neo-psychedelia. Even without dozens of trophies, influence often outweighs hardware.
Legacy, Influence & What’s Next
So, what awards has Joe Keery won, and what comes next? He has one major acting win and a prestigious music nomination. However, legacy goes beyond trophies.
With Stranger Things Season 5 closing a chapter, he now focuses on film and music. Industry experts predict more nominations ahead. His blend of acting range and artistic risk makes his future bright.
Final Thoughts: What Awards Has Joe Keery Won?
To summarize what awards has Joe Keery won, he secured a Screen Actors Guild Award (2017) and earned a Grammy Awards (2026 nomination). His music achieved RIAA certification and major streaming milestones.
Awards tell part of the story. Growth tells the rest. From the Jonathan Byers character audition to global recognition, Joe Keery proves that talent, patience, and bold choices build lasting success.
FAQs
Did any Stranger Things actors win awards?
Yes, several cast members from the Stranger Things series have won awards. The ensemble cast, including Joe Keery, won a Screen Actors Guild Award (2017) for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour have also received major nominations. The show itself has earned multiple Emmy nominations, proving that the Netflix original series is critically respected as well as commercially successful.
What Grammy was Joe Keery nominated for?
Joe Keery, under his music name Djo, received a Grammy Awards (2026 nomination) for Best Album Cover for his album The Crux (2025). While he hasn’t won a Grammy yet, the nomination highlighted his creative direction and artistic vision in the music industry beyond acting.
Does Joe Keery support LGBTQ?
Joe Keery has publicly shown support for LGBTQ+ rights in interviews and through his inclusive fan interactions. While he keeps his activism relatively low-key, he has expressed appreciation for diverse audiences and creative communities, especially within the entertainment and music industries.
Is Joe Keery a successful artist?
Yes, Joe Keery is considered a successful artist in both acting and music. As Steve Harrington in Stranger Things (2016–present), he gained global recognition. As Djo, his song “End of Beginning” reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieved strong streaming numbers, showing real commercial success.
Who was Heart’s lead guitarist?
The rock band Heart’s lead guitarist was Nancy Wilson. She co-founded the band with her sister Ann Wilson and became known for her powerful guitar riffs and songwriting contributions throughout Heart’s career.
Hi, I’m Zain Bhatti, founder of CelebPulse.I create SEO-optimized celebrity content focused on age, net worth, awards, and lifestyle insights. My goal is to provide accurate, easy-to-understand information while building a trusted entertainment resource online.