Russell Simmons to Receive Producers Guild Visionary Award

Russell Simmons will receive the Producers Guild of America's Visionary Award, it was announced Thursday.

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The award will be presented at the 24th annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony on Jan. 26 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

A music producer, Simmons is being recognized for his dedication to philanthropy and his work as a film and television producer who provides opportunities to up-and-coming talent and breaks down barriers.

“Throughout his career, Russell has accomplished the kinds of things that only a true visionary can,” said 2013 PGA Awards Chair Michael DeLuca. “He has seamlessly bridged the worlds of hip-hop music and filmed entertainment through poetry, comedy and music, offering viewers and music fans alike not just a reflection of themselves, but a hopeful glimpse of a world filled with art, joy and compassion. Whether he’s championing new voices behind the mic, onstage, onscreen or in the classroom, or he is working to raise awareness about the victims of the global slave trade, Russell envisions a world populated by our ‘better angels,’ and for that, I’m very proud to call him my friend, and we are so pleased to honor him with the 2013 Producers Guild of America Visionary Award.”

"I'm sincerely humbled that the PGA chose me to receive a Visionary Award. Just to be in the room with all those in the industry is a blessing," added Simmons.

He created Def Jam Recordings in 1984, and in 2007, published the New York Times best-seller Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success. Simmons also founded GlobalGrind.com, an online website for entertainment news. His latest best-seller is SUPER RICH: A Guide to Having It All.

Simmons leads the non-profit division of Rush Communications, Rush Community Affairs. He serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for The Permanent Memorial to Honor the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The Producers Guild Visionary Award recognizes television, film or new media producers for their uniquely positive or uplifting contributions to our culture through inspiring storytelling or performance. Previous honorees include Laura Ziskin, Simon Fuller, Jeff Skoll, Joel Gallen, Mike Nichols and Cary Brokaw.