George Lucas, Jack Valenti, Rita Wilson and Robert Evans will receive special honours at the 14th Producers Guild of America (PGA) Awards on Jan 16, 2003. Lucas will receive the second annual Vanguard Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in new media and technology. The film-maker said in a statement that he was honoured "for what has always been an exciting and challenging journey for me". Valenti's Milestone Award is the PGA's most prestigious accolade and is in recognition of an industry leader's historical contribution to the entertainment business. Valenti, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Motion Picture Association of America, said in a statement: "To say I am jubilant is too sparse a description. I am more than that, as well as very, very grateful."

Rita Wilson is the recipient of the second Visionary Award for her part in bringing My Big Fat Greek Wedding to the big screen. The picture recently became the most profitable independent of all time and to date has grossed just over $194m. Robert Evans's David O Selznick Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures honours his overall body of work as producer.

PGA Awards co-chairs Bruce Cohen and Debra Hill said in a statement: "The scope and variety of the accomplishments of these four industry heavyweights is absolutely astounding."