Chris Williams

Chris Williams is an American film director, screenwriter, and animator best known for his work at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where his collaborative spirit and visual storytelling have helped shape some of the studio's most beloved modern features. Born on November 23, 1968 in Mobile, Alabama, Williams cultivated a passion for drawing and storytelling from an early age, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and later a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he honed his skills alongside future animation luminaries. After graduating, he joined Disney in the mid‑1990s, contributing as an animator on classics such as The Lion King and Mulan, where his ability to imbue characters with subtle emotional nuance quickly earned him a reputation for excellence. Williams transitioned to story development, co‑writing and co‑directing the critically acclaimed Bolt (2008), a film that highlighted his talent for blending humor, heart, and high‑octane action, and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Building on that success, he co‑directed Big Hero 6 (2014), a groundbreaking blend of superhero tropes and heartfelt narrative that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, cementing his status as a visionary leader in the animation industry. In addition to directing, Williams has served as a producer and creative consultant on projects such as Moana (2016) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), where his input on character arcs and world‑building proved instrumental. Throughout his career, Williams has been praised for his collaborative approach, fostering inclusive creative environments that empower diverse voices, and for his dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling in animation. Beyond the screen, he mentors emerging talent through workshops and industry panels, sharing insights on narrative structure, visual development, and the evolving landscape of animated filmmaking, ensuring his legacy extends beyond his own filmography.