Long lists generated by this process are subsequently considered by a jury of opera critics and administrators, who announce shortlists ahead of the ceremony.

Winners are determined by secret ballot, with the exception of the Opera Magazine Readers' Award, which is decided by public vote.

The inaugural international Opera Awards were held in London at The Hilton Hotel on Monday 22 April 2013.

From 2017 to 2019 the ceremony was held at the London Coliseum[2] and Sadler's Wells Theatre,[3] with Orpheus Sinfonia as the orchestra of the Awards.

[5] The host of the Awards for the past two years has been the BBC Radio 3 presenter Petroc Trelawny.