U.S. Creative Chosen as Dual Judge for China's Most Prestigious Animation & Comics Awards
The Californer/10328262

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).

More on The Californer

• California: Governor Newsom issues legislative update 10.3.25
• California: Governor Newsom signs landmark worker legislation, in stark contrast to Trump's assault on workers and government shutdown
• California adds largest graduating class of Highway Patrol officers in 16 years to its police force
• City of Long Beach to Host Community Workshops on Drake, Chavez Park Area Projects
• Rollin VIN Verifiers Launches Mobile Clean Truck Check OBD Testing Services in Riverside County

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.

More on The Californer

• Cognitive Makes Its Official Streaming Debut October 3, 2025
• Governor Newsom signs legislation to advance California's position as the epicenter of global innovation 
• Psalmist Sylmac Announces Release of "You Reign" – A Powerful New Worship Song
• Future Champions Golf Launches 2026 Membership Program and Expands Global Tournament Schedule
• Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition partners with Lipscomb University to host 2025 competition

"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.