12th Independent Spirit Awards

The 12th Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best in independent filmmaking for 1996, were announced on March 22, 1997. It was hosted by Samuel L. Jackson.

Truer Than Fiction Award
When We Were Kings
 * The Celluloid Closet
 * Looking for Richard
 * Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
 * Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern

Someone to Watch Award
Larry Fessenden – Habit
 * Joe Brewster – The Keeper
 * Chris Smith – American Job