Steven Spielberg (image via Creative Commons)

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced Wednesday morning that it will award influential filmmaker and USC trustee Steven Spielberg with the 2012 David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Motion Pictures. Spielberg will receive the award at the 23rd annual Producers Guild Awards Ceremony, January 21st at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. 

Many feel that the award is long overdue for Spielberg, as his career as a director, producer and writer has spanned 33 years. During this time, Spielberg has garnered both commercial and critical success. He is not only the highest grossing director in Hollywood history, but also the recipient of three Academy Awards. 

“Steven has produced some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema and we have no doubt he will continue to bring thrilling adventures, emotionally moving storylines, thought provoking characters and cult classics to audiences across the globe,” announced Paul Wagner and Michael Manheim, PGA co-chairs. “We’re extremely proud to recognize Steven’s contributions to the producing craft as well as the entire film industry with the David O. Selznick honor.” 

Spielberg responded to this praise by paying homage to the namesake of the esteemed award. 

“David O. Selznick is a true legend in the producing field, and I am tremendously honored to be associated with his name and to join the company of so many distinguished filmmakers who have received this accolade,” he said. “I am extremely grateful to the Producers Guild.”

Spielberg is maintaining his well-known legacy of prolific production this year. He plans to release two motion pictures in December: “The Adventures of Tintin: Secrets of the Unicorn”, an animated 3D film about a young reporter that finds a map to a sunken ship, and “War Horse,” a World War I drama about a young man who illegally enlists in the Army after his horse is sold to the cavalry. Both movies have generated early Oscar buzz, and could quite possibly cap off a triumphant year for Spielberg come February. 

For more information on Spielberg's upcoming honor, read the Deadline story here. 

Reach writer Henry Stroud here