Steven Spielberg to get Producers Guild’s David O. Selznick Award

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When the Producers Guild of America doles out its laurels at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 21, a special honor will be bestowed to Steven Spielberg: the David O. Selznick Award.

The prize recognizes ‘a producer’s outstanding body of work in motion pictures,’ notes the press release. ‘The honor has a rich and distinguished history with past recipients including such legendary producers as Stanley Kramer, Saul Zaentz, Clint Eastwood, Billy Wilder, Brian Grazer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Roger Corman, Laura Ziskin, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, John Lasseter and last year’s 2011 recipient Scott Rudin.’

Before his death in 1965, Selznick reigned as one of Hollywood’s greatest producers, working at MGM, RKO and independently. He produced two Oscar best picture champs: ‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939) and ‘Rebecca’ (1940). Spielberg’s long list of producing credits includes ‘E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial’ (1982), best picture winner ‘Schindler’s List’ (1993), ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998) and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005).

Producers Guild Awards co-chairs Paula Wagner and Michael Manheim issued this comment: ‘As one of the most prolific filmmakers of all time, Steven’s continued genius, imagination and fearlessness in the world of feature film entertainment is unmatched in this industry. 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 story lines, thought-provoking characters and cult classics to audiences across the globe. 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.’

-- Tom O’Neil