Unhappy Carnelle Scott is desperate to escape her reputation as Yazoo City's 'Miss Hot Tamale.' She throws herself into a do-or-die effort to win the Mississippi town's big talent contest, an honor won ten years ago by her older sister and unattainable role model Elain.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Holly HunterCarnelle Scott | Carnelle Scott |
 Alfre WoodardPopeye Jackson | Popeye Jackson |
 Mary SteenburgenElaine Rutledge | Elaine Rutledge |
 Tim RobbinsDelmount Williams | Delmount Williams |
 Scott GlennMac Sam | Mac Sam |
 Trey WilsonBenjamin Drapper | Benjamin Drapper |
 Ann WedgeworthMiss Blue | Miss Blue |
 Amy WrightMissy Mahoney | Missy Mahoney |
 Veanne CoxTessy Mahoney | Tessy Mahoney |
 Christine LahtiClara Archer | Clara Archer |
 Bert RemsenMr. Morton | Mr. Morton |
 Kathleen ChalfantMiss Lilly | Miss Lilly |
| LLori HayesSally Chin | Sally Chin |
 Brent SpinerPreacher Mann | Preacher Mann |