Ron Clements, Golden Romics of the 35th Edition

From the Magic of Aladdin to the Adventure of Moana: The Master of Global Animation is awarded the Golden Romics.
Ron Clements, one of the world's greatest masters of animation, a director and screenwriter for Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be honored with the Golden Romics award at the 35th edition of the festival, which is scheduled from October 2-5, 2025, at Fiera Roma.

Clements—along with his longtime directing partner, John Musker—is the creator of unforgettable masterpieces that have defined entire generations. The duo has helmed some of the most iconic feature films in Disney history: from The Little Mermaid (1989) and Aladdin (1992) to the epic comedy Hercules (1997) and the intergalactic adventure Treasure Planet (2002). They also directed the return to traditional animation with The Princess and the Frog (2009) and the extraordinary epic of Moana in Oceania (2016), which was nominated for an Oscar®.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Clements discovered his passion for animation at age of nine after being captivated by Pinocchio. As a teenager, he created Super-8 short films, including Shades of Sherlock Holmes, a work that earned him his first recognition and a job as an artist at a local television station.

After moving to California and a brief stint at Hanna-Barbera, Clements joined the Disney Talent Development Program, learning his craft under the guidance of the legendary Frank Thomas. From there, he began an extraordinary journey that led him to collaborate on classics such as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too, The Rescuers, Pete's Dragon, The Fox and the Hound, and The Black Cauldron.

His debut as a director and screenwriter came in 1986 with The Great Mouse Detective, the first of a long series of hits with Musker that helped define the history and cultural legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
As the creator of masterpieces that have enchanted generations, Ron Clements has shaped narrative universes that have rightfully entered Disney's history. At the 35th edition of Romics, he will be the star of a special event that will retrace the most significant moments of his career and celebrate his unique talent.