2016 U.S.-China Film Industry Leadership Award

James Wang
Co-Founder, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Huayi Brothers Media Corporation

James Wang (Wang Zhonglei) established Huayi Brothers Media with his brother Dennis (Wang Zhongjun) in 1994. Under his leadership, Huayi Brothers has produced over 150 blockbusters. Huayi Brothers was the first film company to be listed on a stock exchange in China, and Wang has built a leading entertainment conglomerate, investing in three major businesses: Visual entertainment (which includes films, television shows and talent agencies), Real-scene entertainment (movie communities, cultural cities and theme parks) and Internet entertainment (gaming, new media, fan communities and online distribution).

Huayi Brothers is known for its foresight and innovation within China’s entertainment industry and it has been a pioneer in collaborating with Hollywood. In 2015, the company struck a landmark deal with STX Entertainment to finance films. It recently announced plans to invest $250 million in a venture with directors Joseph and Anthony Russo.

Wang has won many industry accolades, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Chinese media and entertainment. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the China Television Drama Production Industry Association, Vice Chairman of the China Film Distribution and Exhibition Association and Vice Chairman of the China Film Association Youth Film Board. Wang graduated from Beijing Youth Politics College.