The 49th Writers Guild of America Awards, given on 16 March 1997, honored the best writers of screen and television of 1996.
Fargo - Joel and Ethan Coen Sling Blade - Billy Bob Thornton Girl Talk - NYPD Blue - Theresa Rebeck and Bill Clark The Pool Guy - Seinfeld - David Mandel Years are of film release; ceremonies are held the following year