The 69th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, took place on March 29, 1997. This prestigious event celebrated the best films of 1996 and was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The ceremony was hosted by Billy Crystal, marking his sixth time as the host. At the ceremony, The English Patient won the award for Best Picture, while Anthony Hopkins took home the award for Best Actor for his role in The Silence of the Lambs. Frances McDormand won Best Actress for her performance in Fargo. The event highlighted the achievements of the film industry and honored outstanding talent.