The Alma-Seidler-Ring was created in 1978 by the Austrian government as the female counterpart of the Iffland-Ring.^[1] Similar to that ring, the holder, or bearer, of the Alma-Seidler-Ring is considered to be the "most significant and most worthy actress of the German-speaking theatre", in the opinion of the previous holder who has passed it to her by will.^[2]

The ring is named after the Austrian actress Alma Seidler (1899–1977).^[3] According to the widow of Werner Krauss, holder of the Iffland-Ring from 1954 to 1959, he would have preferred to pass the ring to Seidler, had tradition not prevented him from willing it to a woman.^[2]