The first Silver Medallions were awarded in 1974 at the 1st Telluride Film Festival.
They are made of pure silver and the design has never changed, featuring the emblematic "SHOW" logo on their face.
The presentation of the medallion is preceded by a clip reel, full feature and/or on stage interview.
Traditionally, three Silver Medallions are given out each year, with a few exceptions where numerous people from a specific category were paid the honor.
Since 1981, a fourth Silver Medallion, the Special Medallion, has been awarded to a hero of cinema, a filmmaker, historian, critic, or organization dedicated to the celebration and preservation of film as an art.