Hip-Hop impresario Russell Simmons will receive the Producers Guild of America’s 2013 Visionary Award, during the organization’s forthcoming 24th annual ceremony.
According to a press release, the event, which honors producers who have made a significant impact through television and film, will recognize the Def Jam co-founder for his philanthropic efforts and will to break down barriers for emerging talent.
"Throughout his career, Russell has accomplished the kinds of things that only a true visionary can,” PGA Awards Chairmain, Michael DeLuca said in the release. “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.
Simmons expressed his gratitude say he was “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."
Recently, the mogul continued to take advantage of his celebrity by requesting that President Barack Obama use his "loud voice" when addressing issues affecting the black community. In his open letter, Simmons said he is "deeply concerned about the future of urban America, specifically the plight of people of color."
The 2013 Producers Guild Awards is set to take place January 26 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.