Awards were established in numerous categories, ranging from design, to acting, to overall production.
The goal was to promote adventuresome theatre, both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland.
[2] The nominations are announced every January and the awards are presented the following month in a prominent invitation-only ceremony.
In 2022, the nominations for 2021 will be announced in May and the ceremony will take place early in the summer.
[3] (Winners in bold):[4][5] Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director Best Set Best Costumes Best Lighting Best Sound Best Production Best New Play Best Opera Production Judges Special Award (Winners in bold):[4][5] Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director Best Set Best Costumes Best Lighting Best Sound Best Production Best New Play Best Opera Production Judges Special Award (Winners in bold):[4][5] Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director Best Set Best Costumes Best Lighting Best Sound Best Production Best New Play Best Opera Production Judges Special Award (Winners in bold):[4][5] Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director Best Set Design Best Sound Design Best Costume Design Best Lighting Design Best Production Best New Play Best Opera Judges Special Award Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Director Best Set Design Best Sound Design Best Costume Design Best Lighting Design Best Production Best New Play Best Opera Judges Special Award