The awards are named after Max Estrella, the protagonist of Bohemian Lights, which is considered to be one of the most outstanding works of Spanish theatre of the twentieth century.

The ceremony is performed and directed by prestigious actors and directors at a national level, and features theatre, dance, and musical performances throughout the show, which is broadcast on radio and television by Spanish national broadcaster RTVE.

The Max Awards are an initiative of the General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE), following the model of the Molières, Oliviers, and Tonys.

Winners are chosen by their peers in two rounds using a secret ballot, and are presented with a trophy designed by Joan Brossa depicting an apple wearing a mask.

[1][2] The award ceremony is usually held in the spring to coincide with the middle of the season, and has taken place since 1998 at various locations, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Valencia, Vigo, Zaragoza, Guadalajara, Gran Canaria and Córdoba.