A dedicated Nominating Committee, composed of esteemed journalists and an industry expert, ensures a broad international perspective by identifying outstanding projects beyond national and professional boundaries. Each committee member nominates initiatives from their home country, along with one international project, to create an initial longlist. The committee then votes on these nominations, refining the selection to a shortlist of ten. The final recipients are determined through an online vote by all registered Classical:NEXT delegates.

Each year, three recipients are honoured at the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award Ceremony.