The was held on 2 February 1997 in Kannai Hall, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Awards
Best Film: Kids Return
Best Actor: Tadanobu Asano – Picnic, Focus, Helpless, Acri Kōji Yakusho – Shall We Dance?, Nemuru Otoko, Shabu Gokudō Best Actress: Eri Fukatsu – Haru Best Supporting Actor: Ryo Ishibashi – Kids Return Best Supporting Actress: Reiko Kusamura – Shall We Dance? Best Director: Masayuki Suo – Shall We Dance? Best New Director: Sabu – Dangan Runner Best Screenplay: Yoshimitsu Morita – Haru Best Cinematography: Katsumi Yanagishima – Kids Return Best New Talent: Masanobu Andō – Kids Return Chara – Picnic, Swallowtail Tamiyo Kusakari – Shall We Dance? Special Jury Prize: Kaizo Hayashi – Waga Jinsei Saiaku no Toki, Harukana Jidai no Kaidan o, and Wana Special Prize: Tetsuya Watari Waga Kokoro no Ginga Tetsudō: Miyazawa Kenji Monogatari (Career)
Best 10
Kids Return
Shall We Dance? Boys Be Ambitious Haru Biriken Tokiwasō no Seishun Ohigara mo Yoku Goshūshōsama Shabu Gokudō Gamera 2: Attack of Legion Okaeri runner-up. Swallowtail