Award ceremony for writing of 1996
The 49th Writers Guild of America Awards, given on 16 March 1997, honored the best writers of screen and television of 1996.
Film.
Best Original Screenplay.
 " Fargo" - Joel and Ethan Coen
Best Adapted Screenplay.
 "Sling Blade" - Billy Bob Thornton
Television.
Best Episodic Drama.
 "Girl Talk" - NYPD Blue - Theresa Rebeck and Bill Clark
Best Episodic Comedy.
 "The Pool Guy" - Seinfeld - David Mandel