Colossal’s Teen of the Year Is Here: Big Dreams, Meet the Red Carpet
Some teens are writing their first screenplay. Others are building a business between homework assignments, volunteering on weekends, or turning a bedroom into a dance studio. Then there are the ones doing a little of everything—and somehow still finding time for a group chat.
Whatever their thing is, Colossal’s Teen of the Year gives young people an opportunity to share it with a bigger audience.
With Matthew McConaughey serving as ambassador, the competition is open for registration, and the prize package gives teens plenty to talk about: $20,000, a feature on Complex, and an in-person red-carpet movie premiere experience with McConaughey.
Yes, that last part is real. Better start practicing the photo pose.
Teen of the Year: More Than a Main Character Moment
Teen of the Year invites young people to share their stories, introduce their ambitions, and rally their communities through a series of public voting rounds.
An aspiring filmmaker with a script in progress? A young athlete putting in the extra practice? An artist finding their style or a volunteer making a difference close to home? There are plenty of ways to have a story worth telling.
While competitors pursue their own opportunities, the competition supports a mission focused on helping young people build healthier futures.
Just Keep Livin’
Founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, the just keep livin Foundation empowers high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future. Its programs encourage students to make positive life choices that improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude, nutrition, and community service.
Funds generated through Teen of the Year will result in a grant from Action Initiative Team (AIT) to the foundation at the end of the competition.
Let’s Talk About Colossal’s Prize Package
One teen will receive $20,000 and attend a movie premiere, walking the red carpet with McConaughey. That alone would make for a pretty memorable story when someone asks, “What have you been up to?”
But there’s more.
The winner will also step into the world of Complex, the multimedia and entertainment company covering music, fashion, and pop culture. The package includes:
A featured article: An opportunity to share their story with Complex readers.
A dedicated site takeover: A spotlight on the Teen of the Year across Complex’s platform.
VIP access: Two VIP passes to 2027 ComplexCon and Family Style Food Fest.
A collectible moment: Their own ESCO Trading Card alongside McConaughey.
A trading card of your own? That’s one way to upgrade the family scrapbook.
A Little Encouragement Along the Way
Social media personalities Nicole and Christian Laeno join Teen of the Year as special guests. Drawing on their experiences in dance, music, and career pursuits, the siblings will share their journeys and offer encouragement to teens exploring where their interests can take them.
Because figuring out what comes next is a big part of being a teenager. Sometimes, hearing from someone who has explored their own creative path can help get the ideas flowing.
Ready to Introduce Yourself?
Registration is free and open to eligible teens ages 13–19 in the United States and Canada, excluding Quebec. Parents or legal guardians must register teens ages 13–17; eligible individuals ages 18–19 may register themselves.
Colossal prioritizes participant privacy, secure data handling, and voting integrity, with additional safeguards for youth participants and a dedicated human support team. Learn more at colossal.org/trust-safety.
Have a story to tell and an ambition to share? Visit teenoftheyr.org to register and review eligibility requirements, the competition schedule, and prize details.
The red carpet can wait. First, let’s hear your story.
