The 2nd Critics' Choice Movie Awards were presented on January 20, 1997, honoring the finest achievements of 1996 filmmaking. Top 10 films (in alphabetical order) Big Night The Crucible The English Patient Evita Fargo Hamlet Jerry Maguire Lone Star The People vs. Larry Flynt Shine Winners Best Actor: Geoffrey Rush – Shine Best Actress: Frances McDormand – Fargo Best Child Performance: Jonathan Lipnicki – Jerry Maguire Best Director: Anthony Minghella – The English Patient Best Documentary: When We Were Kings Best Family Film: Fly Away Home Best Foreign Language Film: Ridicule • France Best Picture: Fargo Best Screenplay: The English Patient – Anthony Minghella Best Supporting Actor: Cuba Gooding Jr. – Jerry Maguire Best Supporting Actress: Joan Allen – The Crucible Breakout Artist of the Year: Renée Zellweger – Jerry Maguire Lifetime Achievement Award: Lauren Bacall References Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards 1996 film awards