The awards, first presented in 1964 at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, are overseen by the Swedish Film Institute.

[1] The first Guldbagge Awards were presented on September 25, 1964, at a private party at Grand Hôtel in Stockholm.

[1] Four "guldbaggar" were awarded, honoring directors, actors, actresses and other personalities of the film-making industry of the time for their works during the 1963–64 period.

[2][5] For a long time, the Guldbagge Awards were an exquisite exclusivity, and it was supposed to be so, and it took fifteen years before someone managed to win a second time, which was Keve Hjelm, receiving a special prize for his performance in the television series God natt, jord.

For example, the 2nd Guldbagge Awards presented on October 15, 1965, recognized films that were released between July, 1964 and June, 1965.

[1][3] Starting with the 20th Guldbagge Awards, held in 1985, the period of eligibility became the full previous calendar year from January 1 to December 31.

[6] The prize itself, a small statue in the shape of a beetle, is made from copper which is enamelled and gilded and weighs approximately 1.2 kg.

[2] The following text is engraved under the abdomens of each beetle: "Guldbaggen: comic, tragic, bizarre, outstanding - as the film's contrast-rich world.

[8] The Swedish Film Institute's board of directors appoints the chairman, who is leading the work.

[8] The members of the nominating committee are obligated to watch all of the Swedish films that premiered at the cinema the previous year.

[10] The Lifetime Achievement Award is appointed by the Swedish Film Institute's board of directors.

[10] The Board of Directors appoints the jury chairman, who then along with a team from the Swedish Film Institute suggests the other eight members.

[10] The members of the jury should have solid experience in the professional occupation related to film, and one of them has to come from another Nordic country.