Chris Cooper as Joe Kenehan

James Earl Jones as 'Few Clothes' Johnson

Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor

Will Oldham as Danny Radnor

David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield

Ken Jenkins as Sephus Purcell

Kevin Tighe as Bill Hickey

Gordon Clapp as Tom Griggs

Bob Gunton as C.E. Lively

Jace Alexander as Hilllard Elkins

Joe Grifasi as Fausto

Nancy Mette as Bridey Mae Tolliver

Jo Henderson as Mrs. Elkins

Josh Mostel as Mayor Cabell Testerman

Gary McCleery as Ludie

Maggie Renzi as Rosaria

Tom Wright as Tom

Michael B. Preston as Ellix (as Michael Preston)

Thomas A. Carlin as Turley

Jenni Cline as Luann

Michael Mantell as Doolin

J.K. Kent Lilly as Pappy's Voice (voice)

Ida Williams as Mrs. Knightes

James Kizer as Tolbert

Ronnie Stapleton as Stennis

Davide Ferrario as Gianni

Frank Payne Jr. as Old Miner

John Sayles as Hardshell Preacher

Hazel Dickens as Singer

Charles Haywood as Sheb

Neale Clark as Isaac

Mitch Scott as Mister

Hazel Pearl as Missus

Michael Frasher as Lee Felts

Frank Hoyt Taylor as Al Felts

Fred Decker as James

Bill Morris as Bass

Delmas Lawhorn as Conductor

William Dean as Broker

P. Michael Munsey as Broker

Thomas Hal Phillips as Boxcar Guard

Stephen C. Hall as Redneck Miner

Percy Fruit as Black Miner

Thomas Poore as Injured Black Miner

Tara Williams as Miner's Wife

Gerald Milnes as Fiddler

Mason Daring as Picker

Jim Costa as Mandolin Player

Phil Wiggins as Harmonica Player