Categories such as Skater of the Year, awarded to Ilia Malinin and Madison Chock/Evan Bates based on podium points, Most Entertaining Program for Ilia Malinin, Best Costume, Best Coach, and Lifetime Achievement for Scott Hamilton are determined strictly by performance metrics, fan and media votes, and expert juries. This structure contains no identity-based criteria or demographic quotas, keeping the focus squarely on competitive achievement and artistic merit rather than any external messaging. Hosts Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski were chosen for their established expertise as a two-time Olympian commentator and an Olympic champion, respectively, aligning with their professional roles in figure skating rather than any activist considerations.

The international field of winners and nominees simply mirrors the sport's global participation without any forced demographic emphasis or highlighted framing. Official materials describe the "bold new" format as referring only to the standalone glamorous red-carpet presentation and updated awards structure, confirming the absence of ideological shifts in the ceremony's core purpose.