The Californer - U.S. Creative Chosen as Dual Judge for China's Most Prestigious Animation & Comics Awards

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Historic Cultural Exchange: China Selects Hollywood Creative Executive Rick Law for Unprecedented Dual Final Judge Role in Animation and Comics Awards

GUANGZHOU, China - Californer -- Disney veteran chosen for dual top judging honor at both the Golden Monkey King Awards and CACC Golden Dragon Awards

In a historic cultural exchange, the People's Republic of China has selected Rick Law, Hollywood creative executive and longtime Disney collaborator, for an unprecedented honor: serving as distinguished final judge for both the nation's two most prestigious state-supported awards in animation and comics—the Golden Monkey King Awards (China's highest official honor for animation excellence, presented at the China International Cartoon & Animation Festival [CICAF], Hangzhou) and the CACC Golden Dragon Awards (regarded as "China's Academy Award of animation & comics," presented at the China International Comics Festival [CICF], Guangzhou).

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This appointment marks the first time a non-Chinese executive has served in this dual, top-level judging capacity for both awards in a single year.

In May 2025, Mr. Law was appointed as final in-person judge and presenter at the Golden Monkey King Awards. In September 2025, he was additionally invited as final judge for the Golden Dragon Awards, underscoring the trust and distinction placed in him by China's cultural and creative community.

"Animation and comics are universal languages that connect and inspire cultures," stated Mr. Law.

Mr. Law's recognition in China follows decades of creative 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.

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"Rick Law's work demonstrates that true globalization is not a one-way export, but a two-way cultural chemical reaction," commented a professor from the China Academy of Art, emphasizing Mr. Law's contributions embody cross-cultural impact.

About the Awards:

The Golden Monkey King Awards are China's highest official state honor for animation excellence. Presented annually at the China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF) in Hangzhou, the awards are sponsored by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio and Television of the People's Republic of China and the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government.

The CACC Golden Dragon Awards, hosted at the China International Comics Festival (CICF) in Guangzhou, are recognized as "China's Academy Award of animation & comics," celebrating outstanding achievements in animation, comics, and manhua through a dedicated state-supported body.