First presented by Ericsson in 2000, the Festival Trophy was designed by Dublin born sculptor Linda Brunker. The design is of a mask made from polished bronze star shapes, with strips of metal that look like ‘shards of light'. Implying ‘shooting stars' or beams of light like those from theatre spotlights, the piece is elevated and fixed to a pyramid of polished Kilkenny limestone. Brunker is a graduate of the National College of Art & Design, Dublin and her work has received international acclaim.

Apart from the supreme award, there are also awards for Best Actors (Male and Female), Best Actors in Supporting Roles (Male and Female), Best Stage Setting, Best Lighting, Best stage Management and Best Producer. There are also Summer School Scholarships awarded to the most promising actors, Male and Female.