The People’s Republic of China | October 2025
In a historic cultural exchange, the People’s Republic of China has chosen Disney veteran Rick Law, Hollywood creative executive and longtime Disney collaborator, for a unique honor: serving as final judge for both China’s most prestigious state-supported awards in animation and comics: the Golden Monkey King Awards (China’s top official honor for animation, presented at the China International Cartoon & Animation Festival [CICAF], Hangzhou) and the CACC Golden Dragon Awards (renowned as “China’s Academy Award of animation & comics,” presented at the China International Comics Festival [CICF], Guangzhou).
This marks the first time a non-Chinese executive has held both top judging roles in a single year.
In May 2025, Law was appointed as in-person final judge and presenter for the Golden Monkey King Awards; in September, he was additionally invited to judge the Golden Dragon Awards, underscoring the trust placed in him by China’s creative community.
“Animation and comics are universal languages that connect and inspire cultures,” said Law.
His recognition in China follows decades of partnership: he was a key creative in Disney’s expansion into China, serving as creative lead in the design and launch of Disney English, a major educational initiative in China; acting as consultant in the development of the Shanghai Disney Resort; initiating the Disney English Toys line, introducing modern educational toys to the Chinese market; and creating Kung-Fu Mickey Mouse (功夫米老鼠), which inspired the popular children’s book series written by Yang Peng. His collaborations with Chinese toy licensee MINDStyle further demonstrate his role as a cultural bridge who respects Chinese storytelling traditions.
A professor from the China Academy of Art commented, “Rick Law’s work demonstrates that true globalization is not a one-way export, but a two-way cultural chemical reaction,” emphasizing Law’s lasting cross-cultural impact.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Chinese International Cartoon & Animation Festival
@CICAF_official