Announced today, Russell Simmons will receive the Producers Guild of America's Visionary Award, which will presented at the 24th annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony on January 26, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

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

“Throughout his career, Russell has accomplished the kinds of things that only a true visionary can… 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,” said 2013 PGA Awards Chair Michael DeLuca.

Previous Producers Guild Visionary Award honorees include Laura Ziskin, Simon Fuller, Jeff Skoll, Joel Gallen and Mike Nichols.